Poisson d'Avril. Watch your back!

 

It is believed that the observation of April Fool’s Day began in France, after Charles IX changed the calender in 1564, and New Years Day was changed to 1^st January.

People who still celebrated New Year’s Day on April 1^st became the ‘butt’ of many jokes. They were called ‘Poisson d’Avril’ (April Fish) because at that time of year the sun was in the zodiac sign of Pisces, the fish.

As in England, it has become customary to play tricks on family and friends. French children fool their friends by taping a paper fish to their friends back. When the ‘young fool’ discovers this trick, the prankster yells ‘Poisson d’Avril.