While it is widely believed that April Fools' Day may have roots back in ancient Rome or Britain, clear references to the April tradition do not appear until the late Middle Ages, according to Stephen Winick of the Library of Congress' American Folklife Center.

Across cultures, early spring is a time to let loose and play pranks—but historians can’t agree on who invented the custom of April 1 fun.

The earliest April Fools’ Day hoax on record was in 1698, when people in London were told to go see the annual ceremony of the washing of the lions.

April Fools' Day is widely known as a time for jokes and hoaxes, but exactly why do these traditionally take place on April 1 is a bit a baffling mystery.

This is the short explanation – no one knows when or why April Fools’ Day was created. Theories as to the origin of the day of pranking range from holidays celebrated by the Romans and Hindus, -- the new year started for them around April 1 – to a riff on the Feast of the Annunciation or the vernal equinox.

April 1 arrives each year with a lighthearted twist, ushering in April Fools’ Day, a celebration dedicated to laughter, pranks, and playful deception. For one day, the usual rules take a back seat as people swap jokes,

Here are some no-joke food deals and discounts to score this April Fools' Day and the history behind the pranking holiday.

April Fools' Day, which is Wednesday, April 1, likely began in the 15th century. But now it's become more of marketing mischief by big brands.