01 Apr

April fool’s day in France

In France, April 1st is called “Poisson d’Avril” pronounced [PWAH-Sone DAH-Vril], which literally means “April Fish.” 

A common prank, especially among school-aged children, is to draw a fish and stick it to the back of unsuspecting victims. Once the unfortunate fool discovers the fish taped to their back, the kids have a good yuck and scurry away, shouting “Poisson d’avril, Poisson d’avril.”

One theory as to why April first is called “April Fish” in France has to do with fishermen. Historically, fishermen were prohibited from fishing during April because it was the breeding period of fish. Some people would give these poor fishermen friends a fake fish as a funny prank. 

Another plausible explanation is that since most of Europe celebrated the New year during Lent, a period where people were only allowed to eat fish, people gave fish as gifts for new years.

If you’re ever in France on April first, keep your eye out for fish-shaped chocolates sold in stores through Easter.