The origin of April Fool's Day actually comes from sixteenth century France. Before the Gregorian calendar was adopted, the New Year was celebrated close to the Vernal Equinox, to symbolize rebirth and renewal. Once the official New Year Day was moved to January 1st, April 1st became known as Poisson d'Avril where people teased those who still celebrated the New Year on April 1st. To this day in France, children try to sneak paper cut outs of fish onto the backs of unsuspecting friends and family. If you manage to get a fish affixed to someone, you shout "Poisson d'Avril!" and scamper away laughing!
