The rest, as they say, is history. In an age that lacked many modern day luxuries, like phones, e-mail and television, news of the change traveled slowly, and many who heard about the switch refused to honor the Gregorian calendar. They often found themselves the butts of jokes and were subjected to ridicule. Many people feel that this harassment evolved over time into the modern day holiday, April Fools' Day. The holiday spread to England and Scotland and eventually to the New World, and each country has put its own spin on the day over the years.
French children tape paper fish to other children's backs.
Scots like the day so much they celebrate it twice. The second day of tomfoolery is devoted to pranks involving the posterior region of the body. It is called Taily Day. Mexico observes its version of April Fools' on Dec. 28. Originally, the day was used to remember the slaughter of innocent children by King Herod in the Bible.