Celebrate with Oldways: Poisson d’Avril!

During my semester abroad in Paris, I spent a few days exploring Alsace with my parents. We were lucky enough to be there on April 1^st – April Fool’s Day in the US, and known as Poisson d’Avril in France.

It is commonly believed that the April Fool’s Day tradition actually began in France in the 16^th century, when King Charles XIV changed the calendar, moving the beginning of the year from April 1^st to January 1^st. Because news traveled so slowly in those days, those people who hadn’t heard yet – or refused to make the change – had tricks played on them on the old New Year’s Day.

“Poisson d’Avril” means “April’s fish” and referred to the person being fooled, but eventually led to a fish theme for the whole day. For instance, children often stick pictures of fish on each others’ backs, shouting “Poisson d’Avril!” when discovered.  Also, many bakers and chocolatiers make fish-shaped treats.

During our visit to Alsace, the small town where we stayed celebrated with a fish-themed festival. There was even a tank where children could fish for trout… and fish-shaped food galore.  I was hooked!

- Molli

PS. Did you know Oldways is going to Normandy this month?