hi gang i got this at snopes.com (a site i can get lost for hours in)
In Context
The origins of April Fools Day are not clear but it is known that the tradition of practical joking and mischief-making dates back to Ancient Roman times.
It would appear that the festival is closely related to the coming of Spring.
Ancient Romans and Celts celebrated a festival of practical joking at about the time of the Vernal Equinox, as do millions of India's Hindus.
The French also mark 1 April but instead of April Fools they call it Poisson d'Avril (April Fish).
enjoy