As March slowly fades into April, corporations begin to stockpile and arm themselves with jolly weapons of mass miscommunication.
They quietly plan their mode of attack, all the while maintaining a dead-pan face to the world.
Then they wait.
They watch.
An unsuspecting victim walks by…
Immediately, they launch into action and pull out their deadly weapons of combat, weapons of pranks and jokes in readiness for the grand day of tomfoolery, mischief, and mayhem!
The corporate world is no stranger to celebrating this day of antics and escapades. In fact, they plan for it patiently, taking permission from the higher-ups just so they can pull a fast one on all people.
If Google could “invent” an AI-supported feature that could talk to tulips only on the 1st of April then Spotify could suggest disco hits for listening called Discover Weekly! These are just a glimpse of the pranks the corporate world has pulled on April Fools’ Day.
In today’s blog, we’re talking about April Fools’ Day. It’s a day of fun, fails, and foolish, foolish antics that can brighten up even the grumpiest person’s face with a smile.
Truth be told, the origin of this day is shrouded in mystery.
Is it an ancient Roman festival called Hilaria, celebrated on the last day of March when people pulled tricks on each other? Or did it start in the Middle Ages? Or was it popularised when the Gregorian calendar came into effect and the New Year began to be celebrated on 1st January while the “fools” continued to celebrate it on 1st April?
No one knows the true origins, but historical evidence in the 17th century alluding to the day exists, so, we can only surmise that the pranksters and joke-lovers chose to keep the origins of this day an inside joke, so to speak.
Irrespective of how All Fools’ Day (as April Fools’ Day is also known) originated, the tradition is still going strong and pranking is such a strong instinct in the proverbial Pucks that it’s hard to foresee the demise of this tradition any time soon.
Google, Microsoft, Spotify, Duolingo and many other corporations are flag bearers for April Fools’ Day. Over the years they have announced fake product launches or giveaways on their official handles causing hilarity and good laughs all over the world.
Even newspapers are not far behind. They specialised in inventing “fake” news on this day long before Donald Trump was even born. Planting jokes in plain sight can not only engage people, but it can also have a positive effect of inciting a laugh. It’s also a great marketing trick, putting your brand in the spotlight, albeit for a day.
While we won’t go into the details of each prank pulled by the comics at the big tech companies, we will tell you that the sense of humour continues till this day.
Though Google might have suspended festivities for the 2 years that the pandemic was in full swing, and Microsoft wondered if there wasn’t a negative impact from the day of conning, nothing looks to dampen spirits this year. Companies are gearing up for the all-important day of jesting and funning.
At BUSFAM, we’re no different. We’ve prepared a lot of events for All Fools’ Day that you can check out on our social handles.
Pranks and tricks are a good way of helping people feel as a part of the gang. They are a way by which people can reflect on their shortcomings and vulnerabilities. In traditional communities, too, coming-of-age pranks, wedding-day pranks are common to break the ice and allow the pranked-upon to relax and enjoy the event. So, if you want to make someone feel like they’re part of the family, it’s time to think up a good trick to play on them!
However, pranks need to be carried out in good taste. Insulting or mean tricks in the corporate world can bring the HR department out in full force to prevent enjoyment.
April Fools’ Day is a pretty belly-warming and soul-snuggling day. As long as the jokes are above-the-belt and fun for all, it’s a day that you can market and brand and stretch your creative juices to the limit. April Fools’ Day is also a great space in which you can engage in some clever marketing. Make sure your jokes are interesting and insult no one. It isn’t fun to make fun of a person’s weakness so be careful of how your joke “sounds” before you play it.
So, on 1st April 2023, let’s all vow, in the words of evergreen tricksters-immortal Fred and George Weasley:
“I solemnly swear that I am up to no good!”