Today in France, those who are fooled on April 1 are called the “Poisson d’Avril”. There are a seemingly endless amount of poisson d’avril origin theories – so much so that listing them all here would be exhausting for all of us. In France it became customary to play tricks on family and friends. You can easily find many, many examples of these vintage postcards by doing an internet search for “poisson d’avril cartes postales anciennes”. When the paper fish is discovered, the victim is declared a “Poisson d’Avril.” Some historians speculate that April Fools’ Day dates back to 1582, when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar, as called for by … After all, as author Alex Boese reveals, in addition to some disparities about the differences between the two calendars, April 1 as day of practical jokes and mischief seems to be a very old custom that predates the calendar change. The victims of this prank were thus called Poisson d’Avril, or April Fish—which, to this day, remains the French term for April Fools—and so the tradition was born. For Italians, the first of April marks the celebration of "Pesce d'Aprile" (April Fish), and antics are very similar to those we know for April Fools' Day. In France, they play the same sort of jokes, but instead of saying “April fool!” they say, “. Historically, fishermen were prohibited . April Fool’s Day, the day dedicated to practical jokes and hoaxes, is traditionally celebrated on April 1 st in many western countries, but in some of them, including Italy, it is called ‘April fish’ and that is also the expression used to reveal the prank to the victim.. (“April fish” refers to a young fish, thus one easily caught.) Maybe to make themselves feel a bit less foolish, they decided to play tricks on the people who still thought the New Year started in the spring. If you’ve experienced April 1 in France, I’d love to read what you’ve observed, so feel free to leave a comment. It’s wonderful that you’re continuing to study French. But if the holiday fascinates you, this article (a written version of a video I’m going to mention further on) offers what is probably the most complete list I’ve found in one source. Margo Lestz lives in Nice, France where she likes to bask in the sunshine, study the French language and blog as thecuriousrambler. Margo says “Life is never boring and I learn something new every day… and there are always surprises”. France is particularly unique in the way they mark April 1. To find out why these jokes are called April fish, we have to go back to 1564 to the time of Charles IX. Some April Fool's jokes publicized in the media include: 1. When the person smelled something fishy and finally found the little stinker stuck to his back, someone would announce “It’s a poisson d’Avril!” or “It’s an April fish!” and this is why these little jokes are called “April fish”. Whatever country you’re in, the origins of April Fool’s Day and its traditions are murky. In other words, instead of April Fools, Italy has April Fish. A common prank (especially among school-aged children) is to place a paper fish on the back of an unsuspecting person. The city of Nice, France has its own special April Fool’s joke. Thanks so much for the cultural lesson! Here’s some great news for French learners: The Académie Française recently announced that French words will no longer be gendered! The tradition of sticking a fish on the back of someone is less something that students do at school, but more a thing the young children do at home to their sisters and brothers, and to their parents (who never noticed that someone is doing something dehind them!). The French would put paper fish on the 'fool's' backs and were called Poisson d'Avril, or April Fish - it's still the term used in France for April Fools' Day. A study in the 1950s, by folklorists Iona and Peter Opie, found that in the UK, and in countries whose traditions derived from the UK, the joking ceased at midday. In many countries, the first day of April is a day to play harmless jokes on family and friends. I have been a distant student of French since 4th grade but have never submersed, never visited. Why fish? Up until this time, the New Year in France was celebrated in the spring but there was no fixed date. To this day this term is used for April Fools-and so the tradition was born. Today in France, those who are fooled on April 1 are called the “Poisson d’Avril” (the April Fish). My favorite on the list is probably the one the article says had the most impact: A local news outlet reported that wind turbines, which are present throughout the French countryside, were affecting the Earth’s rotation! In France, they play the same sort of jokes, but instead of saying “April fool!” they say, “ poisson d’avril! Thankfully, French children today use paper fish and stick them on unsuspecting backs with tape. Practical jokes and hoaxes are common across the country on 1 April, but why is there a fish in the name of the Italian day? Do you think poissons d’avril (the literal, paper kind, as well as practical jokes in general) are funny? 1. You can find examples of recent jokes from companies, newspapers, and other organizations in articles like this one (un canular is a hoax or joke). “This is described as coller un poisson dans le dos de quelqu’un (literally, “to stick a fish in someone’s back” not on, strangely enough)”. According to About.com, apparently the traditional prank for Pesce d'Aprile involved the taping of a cutout of a small fish (pesciolino) to someone's back. In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, people used to send each other poisson d’avril postcards. Then the exchange would go: Then again, I know many people from Dunkerque and if they could, they’d (understandably) celebrate Carnaval year-round…. They were called ‘Poisson d’Avril’ (April Fish) because at that time of year the sun was in the zodiac sign of Pisces, the fish. Still, this theory seems off to me, since Carnaval happens in February, not April. These little fish were normally not very fresh and with the clothes of that time being more ample, the fish could go unnoticed for a while. In French, the day is called Poisson d’Avril, or April Fish! The ad explained that the … Those who love to fish say that April has the best fishing. Today in France, people who are fooled on April 1 are called Poisson d'Avril, which literally means the "April Fish." Thankfully, French children today use paper fish and stick them on unsuspecting backs with tape. In case you’ve never heard this term, it means I played a trick on you, in honor of April 1, or, as it’s known to Anglophones, April Fool’s Day. Others felt obliged to comply with the King’s new rules and moved their merry-making to January. But even though they changed the date of their holiday, they kept their time-honoured traditions. Tricks like these provide a laugh as well as a life lesson. It’s one of the few times when French people really let go and get silly. In Italy, France, Belgium & Canada, April 1 is called 'April fish' & includes trying to attach a paper fish to the victim's back without being noticed. One of the favourite “April fish” jokes among French children is to tape a paper fish to someone’s back without them knowing it. He wanted to get everyone singing Auld Lang Syne (or the French equivalent) on the same date. I’m glad this piece gave you insight into a very silly part of French culture! In a few European countries – including Italy – April 1st is known as “April’s Fish.”. As you might expect, the date has become synonymous with jokes, so instead of un poisson d’avril, you might read or see the phrase une blague du 1er avril (an April 1st joke/an April Fool’s Day joke). And, no one knows why in France the hoax is an "April Fish" a Poisson d'avril. That is, every day except on April 1st when the “cannon” goes off one hour early and everyone is thrown off schedule. This usually consists of telling a farfetched story in such a way that it sounds like it could be true. According to this site, some April 1 fans even took things a little bit farther, by throwing dried herrings into streams or rivers and crying out, “Poisson d’avril!”. Some theories say that April was a bad month for fishing, or a time (depending on the era) when fishing was forbidden, since newly spawned fish had to grow. These people also endured being made fun of for celebrating the new year on the wrong day. When I was an assistant teacher at an upper-class suburban elementary school, for example, you did see some paper fish here and there, but not every kid had one on their back or planned to put one on someone’s back. Pranksters would surreptitiously stick paper fish to their backs. Children spend the day trying to sneak a picture of a fish onto the back of their schoolmates. This usually consists of telling a farfetched story in such a way that it sounds like it could be true. Practical jokes and hoaxes are common across the country on 1 April, but why is there a fish in the name of the Italian day? Whatever the reason, fish was a popular New Year’s gift. Alysa Salzberg is an American writer, worrier, teacher, and cookie enthusiast who has lived in Paris, France, for more than a decade. It was customary during these festivities to exchange small gifts, usually food and often fish. Many French children make paper fish and then go to school and tape them to unsuspecting classmates’ backs. Called le poisson d’avril in France, on April Moron’s Day you’ll see fish-molded chocolates and baked goods in shops across France. However, fish consumption was allowed! (By the way: This video may be a good way to practice your French listening skills. In English, after you’ve gotten the reaction you hopefully wanted from your April Fool’s joke or prank, you triumphantly yell out “April Fool’s!” The French do the same, saying “Poisson d’avril !” when their joke is discovered. In French, the day is called Poisson d’Avril, or April Fish! It’s conventional to stick paper cut-out fish onto individuals’ backs and not let them know. Children (and silly adults) place a paper fish on the back of an unsuspecting person and shout ‘poisson d’Avril’ when the paper fish is discovered. In France, the victim of a hoax is called a “poisson d’avril,” an April fish. Maybe it was reminiscent of the ichtus used by Christians in the Roman era. Growing up in the UK I was taught that the phrase used was Poisson Rouge. Still, if you pull of a great prank, or manage to stick a paper fish to your friend’s back, only to have them notice several hours later, feel free to bask in it and simply say, “Poisson d’avril !”. Taping a paper fish to someone’s back isn’t the only poisson d’avril. Then again, they could also sometimes bear insulting inscriptions, a bit like comedy “roasts” of today. Many French children make paper fish and then go to school and tape them to unsuspecting classmates’ backs. April Fools’ Day in France. April 1st was encompassed within Lent, the 40-day period when meat consumption of meat was strictly forbidden. Adults play pranks and jokes too in France. Everything You Want to Know About France and More... A look at the origins of Poisson d’Avril – April Fool’s Day in France – a mystery involving a King of France and a fishy story…. The thought is for them to stroll around ignorant throughout the day, engaging spectators. In 2002, British supermarket chain Tesco published an advertisement in The Sun, announcing a genetically modified 'whistling carrot'. I this may be a silly question, but how do the French companies celebrates April Fools. The typical French April Fool’s prank consist of discreetly attaching a paper fish to the back of your unknowing victim… But all kinds of pranks are possible on that day: when the prank is revealed, we shout: “poisson d’avril”!!! This continues to be the current practice, with the custom ceasing at noon, after which time it is no longer acceptable to play pranks. This week, let’s talk about the “April Fish” tradition which happens every April 1, and let’s also talk about the most famous jokes that have been told on that day in France. Up until this time, the New Year in France was celebrated in the spring but there was no fixed date. In 2017, news outlet Var-Matin played an especially cruel hoax on April first by … On the other hand, when you’re talking about April 1 itself, you don’t call it le poisson d’avril. This is the first I’ve known that the French celebrate 4-1! Of course, that’s just my experience in Paris and its surroundings. They donned their new lightweight spring wardrobe and went out into the icy fields to commemorate the New Year. France is particularly unique in the way they mark April 1. It could be at different times throughout the country, but in most places the New Year began at the end of March or the first of April. Do you celebrate April Fool’s Day where you live? The victims of this prank were thus called Poisson d’avril, or April Fish—which, to this day, remains the French term for April Fools—and so the tradition was born.” Of course, as in life in general, make sure your poisson d’avril doesn’t put you or anyone else (animals very much included!) It may be that different areas of France use the 2 phrases. There are no certainties about the origins of the April fish, and there are many theories about it. Traditionally, schoolchildren will tape a picture of a fish on the back of an unsuspecting classmate and wait for the transgression to be discovered. When the person smelled something fishy and finally found the little stinker stuck to his back, someone would announce “It’s a poisson d’Avril!” or “It’s an April fish!” and this is why these little jokes are called “April fish”. The victims of this prank were thus called Poisson d'Avril, or April Fish--which, to this day, remains the French term for April Fools--and so the tradition was born. Some historians speculate that April Fools’ Day dates back to 1582, when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar, as called for by the Council of Trent in 1563. April 1 is one of the favorite days of the year for French kids. In the UK, an April Fool prank is sometimes later revealed by shouting "April fool!" Maybe it was because the fish is the last sign of the zodiac and the sign for this time of year. The French call April 1 Poisson d'Avril, or "April Fish." It makes sense to me, since the French tend to be more lowkey, even when media hoaxes and paper fish are involved. This noonday boom alerts the people of Nice that it’s lunchtime and it goes off every day at exactly noon. Thanks for reading, Nicki. The Feast of Fools was really popular in France, where April Fools' Day is widely observed. For more April Fools' fun, read all about ingenious hoaxes: in … The simplest jokes may involve children who tell each other that their shoelaces are undone and then cry out “April Fool!” when the victims glance at their feet. Before this date, April 1st was the official beginning of the New Year. To find out why these jokes are called April fish, we have to go back to 1564 to the time of Charles IX, or Charlie 9 as we like to call him. In 1564, King Charles IX switched France from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar, which meant the new year started several months before it would have under the old calendar. (It’s really a firecracker, but it used to be a cannon so they still call it one. Theories about where the practice got started range from antiquity, to the Renaissance. This is described as coller un poisson dans le dos de quelqu’un (literally, “to stick a fish in someone’s back” not on, strangely enough). April 1st is celebrated by pranksters in many countries as April Fools Day and even Italy has its own version of April Fools known as Pesce d’Aprile. Just as in the US and UK, the French media likes to print outrageous stories as April Fool’s jokes. He wanted to get everyone singing Auld Lang Syne (or the French equivalent) on the same date. Traditionally, schoolchildren will tape a picture of a fish on the back of an unsuspecting classmate and wait for the transgression to be discovered. Instead of giving a traditional gift of fish, they would attach a small fish to the back of someone’s clothes with a hook. But April 1 in France is probably the most fun for kids. I am so HAPPY to learn about Poisson d’Avril! The victims of this prank were thus called Poisson d'Avril, or April Fish--which, to this day, remains the French term for April Fools--and so the tradition was born. The lost tradition of poisson d’avril postcards, How to say “April Fool’s!” and “April Fool’s Day” in French. In France, for example, the fooled person is called poisson d’avril (“April fish”), perhaps in reference to a young fish and hence to one that is easily caught; it is common for French children to pin a paper fish to the backs of unsuspecting friends. For more April Fools' fun, read all about ingenious hoaxes: in … One theory as to why April first is called “April Fish” in France has to do with fishermen. My husband did it at his French elementary school in the 1980’s, and if you go to the 44 second mark of this video about the origins of the holiday, you’ll see a postcard from the late 19th or early 20th century that shows a group of mischievous boys who’ve stuck enormous paper fish to the backs of an elegantly dressed couple. The typical French April Fool’s prank consist of discreetly attaching a paper fish to the back of your unknowing victim… But all kinds of pranks are possible on that day: when the prank is revealed, we shout: “poisson d’avril”!!! I’m so glad you enjoyed the article. ” which translates into “April fish!” One of the favourite “April fish” jokes among French children is to tape a paper fish to someone’s back without them knowing it. This brings up another poisson d’avril tradition, but one that’s lost today. Or perhaps because it was during a time when meat was forbidden for religious reasons, so people ate seafood. Normally there is a cannon shot every day at noon from a hill overlooking the town. Some people thought it would be funny to wish each other “Happy New Year” and exchange silly presents on the old New Year’s Day – April 1. One common joke is to hook a cardboard fish to the back of a person. Sticking paper fish onto each other’s backs may not be the thing every single schoolkid does in France, but this custom absolutely authentically does exist, and it goes back generations. I was lost completely and understood basically nothing, though I would like to. In France, April Fools’ Day is known for the “poisson d’avril” (April Fish). It would be nice to see a transcript of the video. Many of them seemed like they didn’t particularly care. In France, they play the same sort of jokes, but instead of saying “April fool!” they say, “poisson d’Avril!” which translates into “April fish!” One of the favourite “April fish” jokes among French children is to tape a paper fish to someone’s back without them knowing it. French children sometimes tape a picture of a fish on the back of their schoolmates, crying "Poisson d'Avril" when the prank is discovered. In France, the fooled party is called the poisson d’avril, which literally means “April fish.” France’s customary prank involves pinning a paper fish to a friend’s back. But among adults, at least, I usually tend to hear something more like this: “Non, c’est un poisson d’avril.” (No, it’s a just an April Fool’s Day joke). There are several theories (read more here), but why the symbolic of the fish remains pretty much a mystery. In fact I have a WWII era postcard that has 1st Avril on it and 4 fish, 2 of which are red. Children spend the day trying to sneak a picture of a fish onto the back of their schoolmates. Everything You want to know about france and more…, The Good Life France is the leading independent website about all things French from travel to culture, gastronomy to property and practical guides & more…, Copyright © 2021 The Good Life France | Built by WebsitesThatWork.com, By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies, In many countries, the first day of April is a day to play harmless jokes on family and friends. Pranksters would stick paper fish to their backs, thus the victims of the prank were called “Poisson d’Avril”, or April Fish. For example, the station usually known as Goncourt was changed to “Goncourt de beauté”, which sounds like concours de beauté (beauty pageant). The New Year would no longer be celebrated in the spring, but in the winter. As the name hints, the most common prank involved in Pesce d’Aprile is to affix a paper drawing or cutout of a fish onto the back of an unsuspecting victim. The origin of the April Fish in France is quite obscure. It’s just le premier avril (the first of April/April first). April Fools. Instead of calling the victim of such antics an April fool, they called him or her a poisson d'Avril, or April fish. This one, from the (now defunct) French version of popular website Buzzfeed, has some good ideas. As is the case in many other countries, the French media love making April Fool’s jokes, with strange or impossible news stories in papers, on TV, the radio, and the internet. What a fish has to do with April Fools' Day is not clear. People who still celebrated New Year’s Day on April 1st became the ‘butt’ of many jokes. Why are fish associated with the French April Fool’s Day? For example, to this day, the Dunkerque Carnaval starts with dried herrings (luckily wrapped in plastic) being thrown from the windows of City Hall into the festive crowd gathered below. Poisson d’Avril. In Scotland, April Fools’ Day was traditionally called Gowk Day—gowk being another … “Dans” points here at the space, does not point at the person’s body itself. Where this habit comes from is not certain. In Italy, France, Belgium & Canada, April 1 is called 'April fish' & includes trying to attach a paper fish to the victim's back without being noticed. Fish. cannon shot every day at noon from a hill, Writer Kate Mosse shares her favourite places in France, The Little French Car in Paris by Stan Cheren, Literary tour of France | Paris, Provence, French Riviera, Advertise on The Good Life France website. Other historians suggest that there might be a tie with the practice of carnaval and its connections with fisherman. France: the French poet Pierre Michault refers to the poisson d’avril (French for “fish of April” or April Fish) in 1466, possibly the first mention in France How the pranking tradition first originated and where are unknown, but many countries around the world celebrate some form of April Fool’s Day. But the date he chose was the 1. of January. The French would put paper fish on the 'fool's' backs and were called Poisson d'Avril, or April Fish - it's still the term used in France for April Fools' Day. She has taught English and French for more than ten years, most notably as an assistante de langue vivante for L'Education Nationale. People therefore gave fish to their friends and family. France – The holiday here is known as Poisson d’Avril, which translates to April Fish, and is also celebrated in Italy as Pesce d’Aprile. 6) Why do French people call April First, “April Fish?” There are many theories as to how the fish became the symbol of April fools day in France (and a few other countries). The explanation resides in crossed meanings i guess : “faire quelque chose dans le dos de quelqu’un”, means doing something behind someone’s back, implicitely against his will or which the person would not appreciate. You can see a slideshow of them here – see if you can understand them all Or you can check out this article, which includes a translation of each of the puns, and finishes with a very cute (subtitled) poisson d’avril video featuring a cat and, of course, a fish. Why? Others say it's because it's during … These days, April’s Fish – Pesce d’Aprile in Italian – is essentially the same thing as April Fools’ Day, with pranks or jokes played on others for laughs. You can read about her adventures here, or feel free to stop by her website. The New Year would no longer be celebrated in the spring, but in the winter. This was a time when people would bring out their spring clothing, get all dressed up, and go out into fields to celebrate the reawakening of nature – the start of a brand new year. ” which translates into “April fish!”. As you may have noticed, though, for the French, April Fool’s is “April Fish”. Some of Charles’ subjects, especially in the rural regions, didn’t hear about the date change or just didn’t want to change their customs and kept their spring celebration. Jokes and pranks are common in Italy but one in particular is classic and explains why the holiday is called April Fish: The association with fish is a bit mysterious, but likely has its origin in the plentitude of young and easy-to-capture fish found in their rivers in April. So, to serve fish to eat in April was impossible – claiming to see or eat one could only be a joke. It may not have been as silly as seeing someone with a fish stuck to their back, but I imagine getting one probably made recipients chuckle. But the date he chose was the 1st of January.
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