The 1st of April is a day full of jokes and pranks-every jester’s time to shine-every gullible person’s worst nightmare. But how did this iconic day come about?

April Fool’s Day is said to have many origins. Some believe it dates back to 1582, when the French calendar changed from Julian to Gregorian to move the start of the year to January 1st instead of March 1st. Those who refused to make the change were considered ‘fools’; people started making fun of them and even played pranks on them.

Some historians, however, have linked this fun-filled festival to the ancient Roman festival of Hilaria-the Latin word for ‘joyful’-which was celebrated at the end of March.

Either way, April Fool’s Day is enjoyed by young and old people alike. Who doesn’t like playing pranks on their unsuspecting peers? One of my personal favourites includes the cracked phone screen prank. This is a classic-and really effective-because our phones are so precious nowadays that if you fall and hear a crack, you pray it’s your leg and not your phone.

According to Hansika Vemula, 15, her favourite part of April Fool’s Day is “being able to play pranks on people and not get told off for them like you usually would. I especially love the prank of tying people’s shoelaces together-such a classic! Also, I think this festival actually brings people closer together.”

I couldn’t agree more. What could be better than sharing laughter and joyful moments together. After all, laughter is the best medicine!