April Fool
If you’re smarting after being caught out by an April Fool’s trick you might like to know you were taking part in an historic event going back to 1582:
“The commonly accepted origin of April Fool’s Day began in France and involves changes in the calendar. At one time, the New Year celebration began on March 25 and ended on April 1. However, in 1582, King Charles IX adopted the Gregorian calendar and accepted the beginning of the new year as January 1. Those who refused to acknowledge the new date or simply forgot received foolish gifts and invitations to nonexistent parties. The butt of such a prank was known as a “poisson d’avril” or “April fish.” “