The real history of April Fools’ Day

Every year on April 1st, the world gives itself permission — briefly — to lie. We call it April Fools’ Day. This is something we all know. But do you know how the tradition started? You might be surprised.At its best, April Fools’ Day isn’t really about lying. It reminds us — just once a year — that the things we take for granted might not be as solid as they seem. That authority can be imitated. That certainty can be fragile.And that every now and then, it’s worth questioning what we think we know… and laughing at the things we’re willing to believe.