What a prank! The story behind April Fools' Day

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New Delhi: April Fool! Have you ever been a victim of this loud shout by any of your close friends or relatives? Well, sweat not, it's just a loud declaration of you being 'fooled' by them. 

Have you ever wondered why the first day of April is celebrated across the globe as April Fools' Day? If you haven't, then we tell you why this day is branded for playing pranks upon others.

Several reports suggest that the day was marked in 19th century, and then went on become hugely popular everywhere. It was Geoffrey Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales' (1392) where the first precursor of the day was found written. In the tale, vain cock Chauntecleer is fooled by a fox, which is taken a reference to the day.

There are many references in literature which indicate that Fools' Day had a meaning back in time. French poet Eloy d'Amerval referred to a poisson d’avril (April fool, literally "April fish"), a possible reference to the holiday. In 1539, Eduard de Dene also mentioned about a nobleman who sent his servants on foolish errands on April 1.

The day is immensely popular in countries like Canada, Europe, Australia, Brazil and the United States, where practical jokes are played upon each other to celebrate it. April Fools' Day sees people playing pranks on each other—from print media reports to television celeb hook-up stories, all enjoy the day of playing the 'prank call'!