April Fools’ Day is just around the corner, and while many enjoy a good prank, there’s a common belief that the fun should stop at midday on April 1.
But is this accurate? To clear up any confusion, the team at Slingo have shed light on what April Fools Day entails, its rules and traditions. Here’s what you need to know.
April 1 essentially gives you carte blanche to play pranks on friends, family, partners and colleagues. However, it’s crucial to remember that some boundaries shouldn’t be crossed – understanding this is key to executing a successful prank.
Dom Aldworth, Head of Brand Marketing at Slingo, says: “April Fools’ Day is one of the most celebrated non-religious holidays worldwide, providing an opportunity for people to share a joke and a laugh. While lighthearted pranks and tricks are encouraged, being aware of the rules and limits of the day is important especially as pranking has become rather extreme in today’s digital age.”
So when should you stop telling April Fools’ jokes? The rule is that April Fools’ jokes should only be told until midday on April 1.
After noon, you should reveal your prank or risk being labelled the April Fool. This rule has various theories behind it, including the idea that the day honours the spirit of Folly, a force believed to be incredibly potent.
As a result, it’s necessary to confine the day within certain boundaries to prevent complete disorder. Another possible explanation suggests that as the day progresses, people become more discerning, while in the morning they might be more naive and easily fooled.
Where did April Fools’ Day come from?
There isn’t a definitive theory about the origins of the day, but one widely accepted idea links April Fools’ Day to the vernal equinox. The unpredictable weather patterns during this period gave rise to the notion that Mother Nature was playing tricks on people.
Some believe that the end of winter and the onset of spring, a time associated with renewed creative energy, could have influenced the traditions of April Fools’ Day. However, the spring equinox doesn’t fall on April 1, which raises questions about why we celebrate on this specific date.
Another popular theory, according to experts, originates from France. In 1582, France transitioned from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. Under the Julian Calendar, the new year started around the spring equinox, near April 1, whereas the Gregorian calendar marks January 1 as the start of the new year. Those who continued to observe the New Year in April were labelled “April fools” for not acknowledging the calendar change.
One more prominent idea among historians originates from ancient Rome. The ‘Hilaria’ – Latin for ‘joyful’ – were festivities observed at the end of March by devotees of the cult of Cybele. They involved cult members dressing in disguises, mocking citizens, and playing jokes on them. It’s believed that this festival was inspired by the Egyptian myths of Osiris, Isis, and Seth and may have laid the groundwork for the modern concept of April Fools’ Day.
Are there guidelines for April Fools’ Day?
April Fools’ Day isn’t a free-for-all where you can pull off any prank you please – it’s essential to establish boundaries and rules. There are unwritten rules rooted in tradition that should be respected.
Respect your country’s laws
Although it might seem obvious, all pranks must adhere to the law. Claiming it’s April Fools’ Day won’t save you from trouble with the authorities, as illustrated by a 2021 incident where a woman was arrested for pranking her sister by reporting an active shooter at her workplace.
All pranks should be completed by noon
After midday, anyone attempting a prank becomes the fool themselves, so ensure your pranks and tricks take place before the cutoff. This rule has its roots in a passage from a British journal dating back to 1851, stating that those playing pranks in the afternoon would be told: “April fool’s gone past, You’re the biggest fool at last.”
April Fools’ pranks are designed to bring a chuckle, not harm, and should make people feel silly rather than injured. So remember, no prank should ever involve actual violence or cause any physical or psychological harm.
Ready for some light-hearted fun? Here are some quirky but harmless prank ideas:
- Letter glitter bombs
- Taping over TV remote sensors
- Turning milk an unexpected colour with food dye
- Swapping cereal bags within their boxes
- Exchanging wrappers of small chocolate eggs for grapes
- Spreading peanut butter inconspicuously on toilet paper
Dom highlights: “However you choose to celebrate, ensure you have people’s best interests at heart. While this day is a celebration of mischief and foolery, there are limits to this. Whether you are in the office, at home or with friends, be safe, have fun and pull off some great pranks and remember to get them all in before noon – you don’t want to known as be the biggest fool of the day!”
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