On 'All Fools' Day' or 'April Fools' Day', people
play practical jokes and pranks on each other, crack jokes on the
expense of victims and gift each other gag gifts and then when the
victims are taken in by surprise, all the witnesses shout 'April Fool'
at once. The innocent pranks such as prompting somebody that their
shoelaces are undone or that they have something on their faces are
quite common. Children love to use the opportunity to prank their
classmates and even their schoolteachers.
At some places, one is only allowed to play jokes until 12 noon for the
jokes played after that time are supposed to bring bad luck to the
perpetrator. Similarly, the victim is advised to endure the tricks with
a smile on their face, exhibiting tolerance or amusement or they may
suffer bad luck, It is said that those fooled by a pretty girl can
expect marriage or at least friendship with her. Men are advised not to
marry on this day or their wives will rule them forever. Children born
on 1st of April are considered lucky generally, except in gambling where
they will fare badly.
At some places, afternoon on 1st of April is called as
'Leggin'-down-day' and the people try to trip up any unsuspecting
victim. Brish media, normally considered serious and sober, give in to
the excitement and tomfoolery of the day and consider hoaxes on this day
as a fair game. Read BBC hoaxes to know more about them. With Internet
to assist them, playing pranks had become a lot easier, fun and far
reaching. April Fool's Day is one of the funniest and most popular
pastimes of the day.