April 1st, also known as April Fool’s Day, is associated with the tradition of playing practical jokes on friends. However, according to many online sources the origins of the tradition are unclear. Some claim the tradition comes from the changing of the Julian to Gregorian Calendar in France 1582. Those who were unaware of the change continued to celebrate the new year in the last week of March into April (failing to recognise the New Year’s Day now fell on January 1st), and consequently were teased by their peers. Another theory is that the tradition originates from the ancient Roman festival Hilaria celebrated at the end of March where people dressed up in disguises.   More…