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April Fools' Day 2025: A Tradition of Pranks Faces Modern Scrutiny

As April Fools' Day continues to entertain globally, criticism grows over its commercialization and relevance in an age of misinformation.

April Fool's Day: The French people like to glue paper fish onto people's backs and yell Poisson d'Avril! (April Fish).
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Different countries have their own unique ways of marking the day.

Overview

  • April Fools' Day, celebrated annually on April 1, has roots dating back to the 16th century, with debated origins including the French calendar reform and ancient Roman festivals.
  • Global traditions vary, such as France's 'Poisson d’Avril,' where paper fish are pinned to people's backs, and Scotland's 'Gowkie Day,' involving playful pranks over two days.
  • Modern April Fools' Day has seen increased participation from corporations and media outlets, using elaborate hoaxes for marketing and engagement purposes.
  • Critics argue that the rise of misinformation and predictable corporate pranks have diminished the humor and trust associated with the day.
  • Notable historical pranks include the BBC's 1957 'spaghetti harvest' and Google's fictional job postings, showcasing the creative spirit of the tradition.