Another thought is that the origin began with the celebrations of the Spring Equinox. While some believe it has to do the a Roman festival known as Hilaria, the end of the Celtic new year.
In Scotland, April Fools Day lasts 48 hours, day two is know as Taily Day and pranks involving the posterior are played. The victim of the practical joke is referred to as "hunting the gowk"; the gowk is an extinct cuckoo bird.
In France, he is the "poisson d‘Avril" or "fish of April." The fish in April are newly hatched and easily caught. French children enjoy taping a picture of a fish on their friends back and yelling out "Poisson dAvril!" when it is found.
Da de los Santos Inocentes is held in Spain on December 28th. This is The Feast of the Holy Innocents. It‘s celebrated similarly to April Fools‘ Day with practical jokes.
In the United States, pranks are played on just about everybody. Pranks range from the standard "Your shoe is untied", to some very creative and elaborate ideas. The only "rule" is that no one should be harmed. The best jokes are when everybody including the victim laughs.
