If you find yourself in France on April 1st, don’t be surprised if things get a little fishy – literally.
This centuries-old tradition is uniquely French – the only country where April Fool’s Day (Poisson d’Avril – “Fish of April”) features fish as the prank of choice. It involves sticking paper fish to unsuspecting backs and gleefully shouting “Poisson d’Avril!” when discovered. The true symbolism of the fish is unknown – it may be linked to Lent, when people claimed to eat only fish, even though it was nearly impossible at the time because the fish were spawning. By extension, if you believed them, you might be seen as gullible.
Some trace its origins to 1564, when King Charles IX changed the start of the calendar year from April to January. Those slow to adapt were mocked with silly gifts. In the early 20th century, beautifully illustrated Poisson d’Avril postcards became a popular way to share jokes and well-wishes. These postcards – often featuring romantic, elegant, or humorous fish – were exchanged as playful pranks or even flirtatious notes between admirers.
Today, the fun continues with chocolate fish in patisseries, prank news reports, and even spoof signs in the Paris Metro.
It’s France’s silliest, fishiest tradition, and everyone’s fair game!
