April 1st is April Fools’ Day in the EU as well

History shows that the International Day of Lies and Jokes on April 1 has deep roots, dating back to the time of the Duke of Burgundy Philip and his jester in 1466. It is believed that the custom of lying on this day was introduced then and gradually spread across Europe, acquiring a national character in different countries.

In France, this holiday is associated with the "April fish" - a tradition that arose during the time of King Charles IX, who in 1564 issued an edict to change the beginning of the year from January 1 to April 1. The following year, many subjects sent New Year's greetings and gifts in April, linking this to the fact that the Sun was then in the constellation of Pisces.

In England, April 1 is Fools' Day, when from midnight to 12 noon anyone can joke, mock and play tricks on their friends and acquaintances. One of the most famous April Fool's jokes occurred in London in 1860, when people received invitations to the "annual solemn ceremony of washing the white lions in the Tower."

In Finland, the day of jokes and lies is an urban custom, but it has also spread among peasants, associated with an old rural custom of sending children to perform humorous errands during serious work.

In Germany and Austria, April 1 is considered an unlucky day, and people born on this day are considered unlucky. According to legend, Judas the Betrayer was born on this day, and Satan was cast down from heaven. Therefore, in these countries, they did not work, did not start new things, and did not let the animals out, and adults and children lied to each other.

The ancient Irish were the first to observe April 1, as they noticed that this month is changeable and the weather often changes. Therefore, they called the first day of it - the day of lies, jokes and humor.

Thus, the International Day of Lies and Jokes on April 1 has a long history and traditions that differ in different countries, but everywhere they are associated with merriment, humor and playful lies.