April Fools’ Day has a long history of pranks and hoaxes

The World

Pranks, hoaxes and deepfakes — there’s a long and very human history of bending reality and catching the gullible off guard. April Fools’ Day, one of the most-famous, prank-laden international traditions, goes back centuries, but its origins are unclear. Folklorist Angus Gillespie has some ideas. Gillespie teaches at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and speaks with host Carolyn Beeler.

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