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The most popular theory regarding the origin of April Fools’ Day involves the transition from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar, in 1582, which moved the New Year from March 25 to January 1.  Those still celebrating week long festivities on that April 1 were the target of innocent pranks, such as invitations to nonexistent New Year’s parties.  Perhaps you’re already planning ahead for next year.  Then check out these famous gags for inspiration:

On April 1, 1957, a British news program featured respected newscaster Richard Dimbleby giving a report about a spaghetti harvest.  Intrigued by footage of farmers reaping noodles from trees, viewers called the station to ask where they could find their own spaghetti trees.

The April 1, 1985, issue of Sports Illustrated profiled rookie pitcher Sidd Finch, who, when not studying Tibetan mysticism or playing the French horn, could throw a ball 168 miles an hour (65 miles an hour faster than the record at the time).  The joke was on readers, who wrote in only to find out that Finch was a figment of the imagination of writer George Plimpton.

In 1996 the Taco Bell Corporation announced that it had bought the Liberty Bell from the federal government and planned to rename it the Taco Liberty Bell.  Angry citizens flooded Independence National Historic Park, in Philadelphia, to protest the supposed acquisition.

Whatever you attempt on April 1, bear in mind Mark Twain’s observation: “This is the day upon which we are reminded of what we are on the other 364.”

Excerpt from Real Simple/April 2007 Issue