A joke is false information that prompts the person taken in by it to make a longer journey for nothing. The origin of this custom is unknown. In Słownik mitów i tradycji kultury, W. Kopaliński presents it as a remnant of the Roman festival of the Cerealia, celebrated in honor of Ceres at the beginning of April. According to legend, Proserpina was gathering daffodils in the Elysian Fields when Pluto abducted her to Hades. Her mother, Ceres, having heard her cries, set out to search for her “voice” and was led into the fields. In Poland, as early as the 16th century, April Fools’ Day was considered an old custom. W. Potocki wrote: “April Fools’ Day; or the very first day of April, An ancient fashion for various jokes Many a person will run about, rejoice and grieve In vain, therefore it should always be remembered.”
W. Potocki, April Fools’ Day, 1–4 (Ogród, ale nie plewiony)