Who’s the April fool?

April Fools’ Day is always filled with pranks and jokes. The holiday, which is celebrated on the first of April each year, has a long history of being celebrated.

The origins of April Fools’ are not fully known, but some think it began when France moved from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar.

In the Julian and Hindu calendars, a new year begins at the spring equinox, which is around April 1. Many did not know about the new year switching to January 1 and continued to celebrate the new year during spring. People would make fun of these late-comers who became known as “April fools.”

There is a festival called Hilaria, which means joyful, that some people think is linked to April Fools’ Day. It was celebrated at about the same time of year, and people would dress up and mock others in their community.

In the 18th century, April Fools’ Day was celebrated as a two-day event filled with meaningless chases, completing fake tasks and more pranks.

Now, April Fools’ Day is an opportunity to make jokes that even companies get in on. This year Velveeta was advertising a creamy new skincare line and LEGO showcasing new “smart bricks” that claim to end the pain of stepping on LEGO bricks.

And of course, April Fools’ Day is often celebrated by playing pranks, which are acceptable as long as it’s followed by the phrase, “April Fools’!”

So if everyone around is laughing, turn around and check for a “kick me” sign. Because who knows- you might be the April fool!