Rubber snakes, fake spiders, trick cans – what do these all have in common? One is bound to see them on April 1, also known as April Fools’ Day! On this annual day, one is allowed to pull any joke without the usual consequences, as long as they end with the exclamation “April Fools!”

Many historians predict that April Fools’ Day dates all the way back to 1582. It is said to have originated when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. In the Julian calendar, the new year started on Apr. 1, whereas the new year starts on Jan. 1 in the Gregorian calendar. Many people were slow to hear the news of the switch, so when some people kept celebrating the new year on Apr. 1, others started to make jokes about it and would play pranks on each other, according to The History Channel.

In modern times, people have taken April Fools’ to the extreme. In 1985, a Sports Illustrated writer George Plimpton fooled readers into thinking that a rookie baseball pitcher could throw a fastball over 168 miles per hour. In 1992, a radio show even tricked its listeners into thinking that former president Richard Nixon was running for president again. In 1996, Taco Bell duped people when they said they were buying Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell. 

“I find it funny when these companies do this,” sophomore Olivia Lanteri said. “It helps make the world, which at times can seem so dark, become just a little more light-hearted.” 

Sophomore Mae Dooling admitted that she is prone to fall for these jokes. But, sometimes, she even joins in on them. “I once pulled a prank on April Fools’ Day,” Dooling said. “My entire fourth grade class convinced my teacher that none of us did our homework.”

Despite the joy that this holiday brings, it often goes without recognition. Senior Emmie Paladino said she “wish[es] this holiday were celebrated more” because she loves “jokes and being silly, so a holiday dedicated to that is great.” 

Lanteri thinks April Fools’ “is a very corny holiday,” but she “always appreciates a good joke on the day.” 

What new pranks or jokes were pulled on this April Fools’ Day? Some may have sneakily put clear plastic wrap over the toilet, replaced the sugar with salt, or placed plastic bugs around the house. However, one should not forget to watch out for these pranks from others. In all one’s efforts to dish out friendly hijinks, one must beware of being April fooled!