Although the origin of the day was unknown, its celebration became common
practice in Worldwide in the eighteenth century. The custom was brought
by early settlers from England.
April Fool's Day is traditionally a day to play practical jokes on others,
send people on fool's errands, and fool the unsuspecting. Some old stunts
which are still used today include pinning signs on people's backs, putting
salt or pepper in candy, telling people they have a hole in their clothes
or food on their face, holding items in place by string, and passing false
messages or phone calls.
Even though April Fool's Day is not a real American holiday in the sense that it is observed by schools or the government, it is still a day recognized by many. Everyone is "taken in" at some time or another on April 1.