Is this celebration of trickery and practical jokes just a harmless day of fun? Or could there be more to it? Should Christians participate in April Fools’ Day?
For one day each year, pranks and hoaxes take center stage. From fabricated news stories and fake social media posts to practical jokes among friends, most see this annual tradition as harmless fun.
But is it really?
The exact origins of April Fools’ Day are unclear, but there are several theories on how it began and what inspired it.
Let’s explore some of these theories and consider whether April Fools’ Day is something Christians should take part in.
Is April Fools’ Day a tradition Christians should take part in, or should they treat it like any other day?
King Charles IX and the Edict of Roussillon
Some believe that April Fools’ Day may have originated with an edict made by King Charles IX of France in 1564.
Prior to this edict, the timing of the new year and its observance varied, with many observing the new year on or around Easter—typically sometime between March 25 and April 1. (To learn more about Easter and its origins, see “Origin of Easter.”)
As Britannica.com explains, the king’s Edict of Roussillon changed the date of the new year to Jan. 1, providing one standardized calendar for the people of France.
So, what does this have to do with April Fools’ Day?
As with any major change, it took time for word to spread and for people to adjust. According to tradition, individuals who continued recognizing the spring as the start of the new year were mocked as “April fools” and became targets of pranks and ridicule.
Potential connections to paganism
Some have also theorized that April Fools’ Day could have connections to the pagan festival Hilaria.
Hilaria (from the Latin word hilaris, meaning “cheerful” or “happy”) was celebrated in Rome in honor of the goddess Cybele, who represented nature and fertility. The festival took place on the spring equinox and involved rituals of “joyful merriment,” such as revelry, games, pranks and lighthearted trickery.
Throughout history, many pagan religions have featured trickster deities known for mischief and disruption, often at the expense of others.
According to History.com, the celebration “involved people dressing up in disguises and mocking fellow citizens and even magistrates and was said to be inspired by the Egyptian legend of Isis, Osiris and Seth.”
Others believe April Fools’ Day may have ties to the Festival of Fools, a medieval celebration known for its revelry and satire. Some historians compare it to the Roman festival of Saturnalia (held in December) due to its elements of role reversal and festive disorder.
The Festival of Fools encouraged mockery of social and religious figures, with participants dressing in costumes, playing pranks and even appointing a mock leader.
Though it’s difficult to definitively prove that April Fools’ Day derived from these celebrations, the similarities are intriguing and match the spirit of modern April Fools’ traditions.
Throughout history, many pagan religions have featured trickster deities known for mischief and disruption, often at the expense of others. Given this, it’s easy to see how a day devoted to pranks and deception could be linked to these elements of paganism.
In addition to its questionable origins, April Fools’ Day promotes certain behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to God’s way of life, such as deception and dishonesty.
Proverbs 12:22 tells us that “lying lips are an abomination to the LORD,” while Proverbs 6:16-17 says that God hates a lying tongue.
Similarly, Psalm 101:7 says, “He who works deceit shall not dwell within my [David’s] house; he who tells lies shall not continue in my presence.”
The spirit of lying and trickery is not of God.
While good-natured jokes can be a fun way to strengthen friendships, they should never be taken so far that they hurt or embarrass others.
Beware of offense
While lighthearted, good-natured jokes can be a fun way to strengthen friendships, they should never be taken so far that they hurt, offend or embarrass others.
It’s easy to take pranks too far, especially with those we feel comfortable around, such as family and close friends. Even if they know we’re joking, it’s wise to be mindful of our words and actions.
Proverbs 12:18 warns against reckless speech, reminding us to be considerate and avoid harming our relationships, even unintentionally.
Prioritize kindness and love toward others
In contrast, Scripture teaches that we are to show kindness and love to others at all times, no matter the circumstances. Romans 12:10 reveals the importance of being “kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.”
In 1 Corinthians 13:4-5, we learn that love does not behave rudely, and Luke 6:31 instructs us to treat others as we ourselves would like to be treated.
All of these principles from God’s Word are contrary to the spirit of the behavior often associated with April Fools’ Day.
While April Fools’ Day may seem harmless, its possible pagan origins and focus on pranks, deception and trickery should give Christians plenty of reasons to question and avoid this practice.
As April 1 approaches, why not treat it like any other day, choosing to speak the truth and avoid mischief?
After all, Christians should prioritize love, kindness and consideration every day of the year.
Photo credits:
1001Love/iStock via Getty Images
Baona/iStock via Getty Images
Михаил Руденко/iStock via Getty Images
Date Posted: March 30, 2025
About the Author
Monica Ebersole
Monica Ebersole is a member of the Sherman, Texas, congregation of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association.
