"Punk'd," "Jackass" and "National Lampoon" are just a few examples of pranking in American culture. April Fools' Day is another chance for Americans to demonstrate their pranking prowess.
However, it's no joke that some other countries around the world take April Fools' Day very seriously, despite the pranks.
France
In France, the day is known as Poisson d'Avril, or the April Fish. Poisson d'Avril began in 1564. King Charles XIV wanted to change New Year's Day from the first day of spring, usually in April, to Jan. 1. The move was to match New Year's Day with the Gregorian calendar.
But French citizens were upset because they used to give and receive gifts for the New Year, Ball State French professor Olga Mounayar said.
The new Poisson d'Avril got its name because the day usually falls during Lent. With the exception of seafood, it was forbidden for Catholics to eat meat during Lent. Therefore, people would eat fish during their feasts on that day.
The name gained further meaning when sticking paper fish on another's back became a popular prank in France.
"It's very, very important," Mounayar said. "And as a matter of fact, you should see all the beautiful fish the chocolate companies make [out of sweets]."
Iran
In Iran, Sizdah Be-dar is celebrated on April 1 or April 2. With its translation of "getting rid of 13," Sizdah Be-dar is the celebration of the 13th day of the Persian New Year. It is estimated that the Persians began celebrating Sizdah Be-dar around 536 B.C.
"It is kind of like their Thanksgiving," Solaiman Sajjad, Muslim Student Association president, said.
Iranians spend their time outdoors on Sizdah Be-dar, because it is one of the Iranian Festivals of "Joy and Solidarity." The purpose of the celebration is to cleanse the mind and keep away evil thoughts through joy and laughter.
From this purpose, Sizdah Be-dar evolved into a type of April Fools' celebration. Some experts believe Sizdah Be-dar is the oldest prank-related celebration that is still practiced today.
It is also believed Sizdah Be-dar is a day the Persians used to ask for rain to avoid drought. Ancient Iranians prayed to the deity of rain for good harvests and good luck.
Mexico
In Mexico, Día de Los Santos Inocentes, or the Day of the Holy Innocents, is celebrated on Dec. 28 and is similar to April Fools' Day. Día de Los Santos Inocentes is a religious holiday in memorial of the children killed during King Herod's search for Jesus.
"The religious aspect isn't really celebrated," Graciela Román, Latino Student Union president, said. "It's pretty much the same idea as April Fools' Day."
It is common on the day for people to "borrow," or steal, a personal object from a friend or family member and not return it.
"One time, when I was younger and visiting, my cousin borrowed my favorite CD," Román said. "At the time, it was ‘My Way' [by Usher]. When I asked for it back ... she said I had been tricked and taunted me.
"I told on her, but my dad told me what day it was and said that she technically didn't have to give it back as he, too, laughed at me."
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