April Fools’ Day 2025: Why April Fools is Celebrated on 1st April? Know Origins, History, Significance, and More

April Fools Day 2025: April 1st is well known as April Fools’ Day, a day dedicated to pranks, hoaxes, and lighthearted deception. People all across the world do lighter acts with the purpose of sharing joy and amusement. While the day is celebrated with fun, laughter, and good vibes, its origins remain a mystery. Let’s look at the history, meaning, origins, and numerous ways that people commemorate April Fools’ Day.

How April Fools Day Started?

The original roots of April Fools’ Day are unknown, however historians believe it may date back to the 16th century. One commonly recognized explanation traces it back to the establishment of the Gregorian calendar in 1582. Before this transition, several European countries celebrated New Year's Day in late March or early April. When Pope Gregory XIII adopted the new calendar, which moved the new year to January 1st, some people either refused or were uninformed of the change, thus they continued to celebrate in April. These people were mocked and called “April fools.”

Another possible origin can be traced back to ancient Roman celebrations like Hilaria, which take place at the end of March. During Hilaria, people participated in games, disguises, and humourous pranks. Similar practices were observed in medieval Europe, where specific festivals promoted jesting and humorous deceit.

April Fools’ Day Significance

April Fools' Day promotes creativity, humour, and social bonds. It acts as a reminder to enjoy life and not take things too seriously. The day encourages laughter, which has been scientifically proved to relieve stress, increase mood, and boost general well-being. Furthermore, technology allows corporations, media outlets, and people to express their wit through intricate pranks and hoaxes.

Best Pranks For April Fools’ Day

If you want to spread amusement without generating frustration, here are some innovative and enjoyable prank ideas.

Autocorrect Shenanigans

If you have access to a friend's phone, modify a frequently used word in their autocorrect settings.  For example, set “yes” to autocorrect to “bananas” and “okay” to “I love unicorns.”

Screen Screenshot Prank

Take a screenshot of someone’s phone or computer’s home screen and use it as wallpaper.  Then, conceal or reposition their icons so that they appear unresponsive when they attempt to click them.

Unspillable Coffee Cup

Glue a disposable coffee cup to a table or desk and watch someone attempt to pick it up.  To avoid making a big mess, make sure the cup is empty first.

Soap That Won’t Lather

Cover a bar of soap with clear nail paint to prevent it from producing suds. Leave it in the bathroom and wait for someone to complain about the “faulty” soap.

The Mouse Trap (Not What You Think!)

Apply a small piece of tape to the bottom sensor of a computer mouse. When the user attempts to move the pointer, it does not respond appropriately, resulting in some mild confusion.

Keyboard Alphabet Shuffle

If you have access to someone’s keyboard, carefully remove a few keys and rearrange them.  Just make sure they don’t have any urgent assignments due!

Fake Cracked Screen

Download a cracked screen wallpaper to someone’s phone or tablet and watch them go “Oh My God” when they believe they have broken their gadget.