Maybe it’s Italian: In Ancient Rome, there was a festival called Hilaria, a “day of merriment” held March 25, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.com. Originally, the day marked the resurrection of Attis, consort of Cybele.
It could be Indian: In this way of thinking, April Fools' Day grew out of Holi, a festival thought to date from several centuries before Christ. This festival originated in India and marks the beginning of spring. Participants toss colorful powders and water upon one another.
Actually, it’s French: Or that's what the French say, anyhow. As they see it, April Fools' Day started in France in 1564. King Charles IX decided to move New Year’s Day from April to January. Those who forgot or didn’t know were on the receiving end of pranks by their fellow Frenchmen. In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII changed the calendar for all of Christianity.
Compiled using these sources:
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