Friday, April 1, is a day for practical jokes worldwide, a tradition dating from the Middle Ages. But only in France, Italy and the French-speaking Canadian province of Quebec do those jokes involve pinning a paper fish on the back of an unsuspecting party.
The exact origin of that tradition is unclear, but it may have something to do with fishermen being forbidden to practice their trade in April – breeding season for fish – and with Lenten Fridays and the association of Jesus and Christianity with the piscine symbol.
In any event, April 1 is the day to make a paper fish, sneak up on your intended target, try to pin the fish on him and when he discovers it, yell, “Poisson d’Avril” (“April Fish Day”). Or maybe just have a nice fish dinner instead.
However you celebrate, we at WAG wish you a Happy April Fish Day.
