On the first day of April, Germans engage in a delightful tradition known as the “Aprilscherz” or April joke. This playful custom involves confusing one another with tall tales, absurd stories, and ridiculous errands, all in the spirit of good-natured fun. In German, the act of pulling an April Fool’s prank is humorously described as “sending someone into April.”

Origins and Legends

The origins of April Fools’ Day are shrouded in mystery, but several theories exist:

1. Unlucky Days: In antiquity, people believed that certain days were unlucky, including April 1. On this day, it was customary to play pranks and confuse others.
2. Diet of Augsburg (1530): According to legend, a meeting was scheduled in the German city of Augsburg on April 1, 1530. Lawmakers gathered to discuss unification. However, opportunistic entrepreneurs spread false rumors and absurd information during the meeting, making fools of those who believed them. Thus, April 1 became a “Fools’ Holiday.”

Artists perform in central Saint Petersburg on April 1, 2015 to mark April Fools’ Day. AFP PHOTO / OLGA MALTSEVA (Photo credit should read OLGA MALTSEVA/AFP via Getty Images)

Historical Pranks

• 1774 Newspaper Joke: The oldest recorded April Fools’ joke in a German newspaper dates back to April 1, 1774. The publication offered absurd advice on breeding multicolored hens, leaving readers bemused.
• WDR’s Elaborate Hoax: In a more recent example, Cologne-based broadcaster WDR orchestrated an intricate prank. They announced the “world premiere” of a previously unknown mass in C minor by Franz Schubert. The audience was captivated, believing they were witnessing a musical sensation. In reality, it was all part of a musicians’ bet, and Franz Schubert had no involvement. The grand reveal? “April fool!”.

Modern Traditions

Today, April Fools’ Day is celebrated across various media platforms. Whether it’s fake news articles, humorous advertisements, or playful social media posts, Germans continue to embrace the spirit of harmless deception. So, keep your wits about you on April 1—you might just find yourself “sent into April” by a clever prankster!

Remember, laughter is the best medicine, even if it comes with a side of delightful foolishness. 🤪🎉