The history of Fool’s Day or All Fool’s Day is uncertain, but the current thinking is that it began around 1582 in France with the reform of the calendar under Charles IX. The Gregorian calendar was introduced, and New Year’s Day was moved from March 25 – April 1 (New Year’s week) to January 1.
Communication traveled slowly in those days and some people were only informed of the change several years later. Still others, who were more rebellious refused to acknowledge the change and continued to celebrate on the last day of the former celebration, April 1.
These people were labeled “fools” by the general populace, were subject to ridicule and sent on “fool errands,” sent invitations to nonexistent parties and had other practical jokes played upon them. The butts of these pranks became known as a “poisson d’avril” or “April fish” because a young naive fish is easily caught. In addition, one common practice was to hook a paper fish on the back of someone as a joke.
This harassment evolved over time and a custom of prank-playing continue on the first day of April. This tradition eventually spread elsewhere like to Britain and Scotland in the 18th century and was introduced to the American colonies by the English and the French. Because of this spread to other countries, April Fool’s Day has taken on an international flavor with each country celebrating the holiday in its own way.
In china, it becomes more and more popular amongst the young people nowadays. Friends or colleagues play tricks on each other on this day. On another hand, April Fool’s day has another special meaning to most Chinese young people, a day to commemorate Leslie Cheung(张国荣),a superstar and famous actor in China, who suicided on 1st April, 2003. Many fans from all places try to show their love for Leslie in different ways, including listening to his songs, seeing his films and so on.