In modern day France, the first day of April is called "Poisson d'Avril" or "April Fish."
An April is a young fish and thus, one which is easily caught. French children fool friends by taping a
paper fish to the victim's back and, when the "fool" discovers this trick, yelling:
"Poisson d'Avril!"Traditionally, French pranks must include a fish (or at least a vague reference to same within the joke) and it is not unusual for friends to be presented with dainty presents fashioned in the form of a small fish on
All Fool's Day.Give it a try with this fish I offer to you all ready to be printed, cut and taped on a person's back:
The nickname of "Poisson d'Avril" is said to have been "acquired" by Napoleon I (Bonaparte) when he married Marie-Louise of Austria on Apri 1, 1810.
