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April Fool's Day used to be New Year's Day. No, really

Broadcast Date: April 1, 1981

It wasn't always just an excuse for jokes and gags. The first of April was once the called the first of the year, and would have been celebrated as New Years Day. So how did it turn into folly? It's a long story, and CBC Radio host Madeleine McLaughlin tells all about it in this CBC Radio clip. She also goes to the street to find out how people celebrate, and feel about, modern-day April Fool's.

April Fool's Day used to be New Year's Day. No, really

• In France and Quebec, April Fool's Day is called poisson d'avril. The concept is similar: An April fish is a new, just-hatched fish. If a person is an April Fish, they are easily caught — or easily made a fool of.

• The first of April really is a much more logical time to celebrate the first of the year. What's so foolish about Spring? The middle of winter is far more ridiculous!

• At the last moment, Newfoundland thought better of joining Canada on the scheduled first of April. Confederation is no joke! Instead they opted for the last seconds of March 31, 1949. The swearing-in and the celebration took place on April 2.

April Fool's Day used to be New Year's Day. No, really

Medium: Radio

Program: Variety Tonight

Broadcast Date: April 1, 1981

Guest(s): Max Allen

Host: David Cole, Madeleine McLaughlin

Duration: 9:16

Photo: National Archives PA-057794

Last updated:
Aug. 14, 2009