Saturday, March 31, 2012

Poisson d'avril -- chut!


Do you know what tomorrow is?

In the United States it is April Fools Day and we play pranks like, "Look out!  There's a spider on your shoulder!" 

The tradition in France includes poisson d'avril, attempting to attach a paper fish to the victim's back without being noticed.  There is an interesting history of this holiday of foolishness and it originated in France in the 16th century.  You can read about it here.

Today in France, people who are fooled on April 1 are called Poisson d'avril, which literally means the "April Fish," because a yound naive fish is easily caught.  

So, are you going to play a little prank tomorrow?


(I do know that these are oysters, but I did not have any good fish photos.)



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21 comments:

  1. AnnMarch 31, 2012 at 12:47 AM

    Oh that is very interesting...

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  2. French Girl in SeattleMarch 31, 2012 at 1:09 AM

    Well, since we are in the Pacific Northwest, I suppose I should go out and attempt to find a Coho or Sockeye and pin it on my son's back... a King salmon might be a bit too obvious though ;-) Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

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  3. Shell SherreeMarch 31, 2012 at 3:45 AM

    I love the French tradition for April Fools Day {great link, Genie!}. Rather sweet and charming. {I don't have any photos of fish, either.}

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  4. Rob-bearMarch 31, 2012 at 4:28 AM

    All sounds a bit fishy to me. But, in France, why not?

    Bear is a non-prank creature. April Fools will see Bear in church.

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  5. La BrocanteuseMarch 31, 2012 at 4:38 AM

    Thank you for sharing this, I never knew! Have a great Saturday, wherever you go today, enjoy!
    Love
    Colette

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  6. JoeMarch 31, 2012 at 4:48 AM

    You've got me thinking Genie. Nothing like a light hearted prank for a bit of fun.

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  7. Louis la VacheMarch 31, 2012 at 5:25 AM

    hee hee...«Louis» et un poisson d'avril. C'est son anniversaire. Il à 39 neuf ans toujours.

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  8. KateMarch 31, 2012 at 8:56 AM

    So that is what those fish cut-outs mean!! No pranks tomorrow...too busy getting ready to visit some of our beautiful Southeast coast cities.

    Have fun!

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  9. brattcatMarch 31, 2012 at 9:03 AM

    i love this concept of an april fish. i fear i was born one, paper fish on my back or no paper fish on my back.

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  10. PatMarch 31, 2012 at 9:58 AM

    You're bringing out the devil in me...I'll have to think of something. Sure wish I could buy coquilles St. Jacques here...

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  11. Kirsty @ Bonjour QuiltsMarch 31, 2012 at 10:03 AM

    I'd rather oysters (even naive ones) than fish anyway!
    Happy April 1st. x

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  12. VirginiaMarch 31, 2012 at 10:38 AM

    No pranks but I'd love a dozen of those oysters avec vinaigre! ;)
    V

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  13. martinealisonMarch 31, 2012 at 11:41 AM

    J'arrive avec le champagne et le vin blanc pour déguster avec toi de bonnes huîtres !... "Poisson d'avril"!!... pourtant j'aimerais bien.
    gros bisous

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  14. Genie -- Paris and BeyondMarch 31, 2012 at 3:49 PM

    Today was filled with Palais Garnier and the Marais. We were joined at lunch by Peter and Isabelle. The food was delicious and warming on this more typical March day with a high of 58F or so. I'll post a story on the restaurant when we return. I made a visit to the Repetto store on Rue de la Paix and too many photos.

    We have a full day tomorrow and will be eating many oysters with Peter and heading to Rue Mouffetard to see the street dancers and singers. Luxembourg gardens will likely finish our day.

    I have decided to stay here forever.... April Fools! (I would like to however, but not without my entourage!)

    Bises,
    Genie

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  15. AnonymousMarch 31, 2012 at 4:22 PM

    I don't think I'll be pranking anyone...I wonder if I will even remember? LOL Interesting fact about the paper fish on April Fool's Day. I'd sure hate to be the one walking around all day with a paper fish on my back. HA

    Sounds like you are having a faBulous time. Can't wait to see your photos.

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  16. JackMarch 31, 2012 at 6:29 PM

    Interesting reading about the French tradition for April first. No, I don't have any pranks planned, but there is still time to dream one up! Glad you are enjoyng this trip.

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  17. AlexaMarch 31, 2012 at 8:59 PM

    Haven't planned any pranks so far—maybe I'll be the poisson d"avril (comme d'habitude!). Enjoy your Sunday in Paris, Genie!

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  18. LouiseMarch 31, 2012 at 9:40 PM

    Its a prank free day for me so far. Thanks for letting me know about poisson d'avril.

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  19. HollyMarch 31, 2012 at 10:35 PM

    Scheming with Jack on how to "April Fool" the daddy...think that's just as much fun as the actual prank. Those oysters look divine and wish I were with you all tomorrow for the tasting!!!

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  20. RandyMarch 31, 2012 at 10:55 PM

    Not my cup of tea but it made for a great shot.

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  21. AnonymousApril 17, 2012 at 11:05 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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Merci for your comments!