<P> In Italy, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, and French - speaking areas of Switzerland and Canada, April 1 tradition is often known as "April fish" (poissons d'avril in French, aprilvis in Dutch or pesce d'aprile in Italian). This includes attempting to attach a paper fish to the victim's back without being noticed . Such fish feature prominently on many late 19th - to early 20th - century French April Fools' Day postcards . Many newspapers also spread a false story on April Fools' Day, and a subtle reference to a fish is sometimes given as a clue . </P> <P> In India, there have been numerous references to April Fools' Day in both cinema and popular literature and people are jovially associated with the day . However, this is not any intrinsic part of India's ancient culture . </P> <P> In Lebanon, an April Fool joke is revealed by shouting "كذبة ابريل!" (which means "Aprils fool!") at the recipient, who becomes the "April fool". </P> <P> In many Spanish - speaking countries (and the Philippines), "Dia de los Santos Inocentes" (Holy Innocents Day) is celebrated, which is very similar to April Fools . Often, people play pranks on each other, trick others, etc . </P>

Where did the idea of april fools day come from