April Fools' Day is back!đ
The Curious Origins of April Foolsâ Day: From Calendar Reform to Playful Pranks
Many are surprised to learn that the origins of April Foolsâ Day may date back to the 16th century, tied to one of the most significant calendar reforms in Western history.
In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar via the papal bull Inter gravissimas, replacing the Julian calendar. This reform was meant to correct inaccuracies in the calculation of leap years and to realign the calendar with the solar year. One of the key changes was moving the start of the new year from April 1st (as commonly celebrated in parts of France and elsewhere) to January 1st.
However, due to slower communication and varying regional adoption, many people either did not receive the news, misunderstood it, or resisted the change. Those who continued to observe the old New Year on April 1st became targets of ridicule by those embracing the new system. The latter group would mock the "fools" by playing pranks on them, including the now-classic French custom of attaching a paper fish ("poisson dâavril") to the back of the unsuspecting person.
This French tradition is still alive today, where children (and even adults) participate in this light-hearted joke each year on April 1st. Over time, the idea of dedicating April 1st to harmless pranks spread across Europe and eventually to the English-speaking world as "April Fools' Day."
Happy April Fools' Day!
We hope your day is filled with laughter, surprises, and great moments around this fun recipe. Whether it's a fish on your back or a smile on your face, rememberâitâs the perfect time to share a laugh and enjoy a delicious meal together.
Which wines to choose â and why?
For pan-seared fish fillet with beurre blanc sauce, paired with asparagus or Brussels sprouts, here are two particularly suitable wines for this dishe:
Sancerre AOC: A Sauvignon Blanc from Loire Valley region, with its fresh fruit aromas and bright acidity, perfectly balances the creamy texture of the beurre blanc sauce and the slight bitterness of the asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
Pouilly-Fumé AOC: Another Sauvignon Blanc, from Loire Valley region too, but with a more pronounced minerality. This wine pairs wonderfully with the fish and green vegetables, offering a touch of freshness that complements the flavors of the dish.
Both of these white wines provide a lovely balance between the richness of the beurre blanc and the lightness of the vegetables, creating a perfect harmony with your dish.
â Dear food lovers & pranksters ,
April 1st is just around the corner, and as always, itâs the perfect occasion to celebrate with laughter, pranks, and, of course, delicious food and wine!
This year, we are adding a twist to your April Fools' Day fun by pairing a playful dish with the perfect wine.
Itâs a celebration of both taste and humor! â
Grand Cru & EtiquetteđŁ
Sources:
Chambers, Robert. The Book of Days: A Miscellany of Popular Antiquities in Connection with the Calendar. W. & R. Chambers, 1864.
â Chambers discusses early European calendar customs and how April 1st was linked to the changing of the year and mockery rituals.
Boese, Alex. Museum of Hoaxes. E.P. Dutton, 2002.
â Offers a modern but well-researched overview of hoaxes and the development of April Fools' traditions.
Le Goff, Jacques. Time, Work, and Culture in the Middle Ages. University of Chicago Press, 1980.
â Although more general, this text provides valuable context about medieval and early modern perceptions of time and calendar reform.
Pope Gregory XIIIâs Papal Bull Inter gravissimas (1582)
â The official document that established the Gregorian calendar. Accessible in Latin and English through various Vatican archives and historical studies.
"Poisson dâavril", Larousse Encyclopedia (EncyclopĂ©die Larousse en ligne)
â Discusses the French tradition of the paper fish and its possible ties to the calendar change.
