section_path: Long-standing customs/Poland (prima Aprilis)
section_name: Poland (prima Aprilis)
paragraph_text: Poland (prima Aprilis)
  
  In Poland, prima Aprilis ("First April" in Latin) as a day of pranks is a centuries-long tradition. It is a day when many pranks are played: sometimes very sophisticated hoaxes are prepared by people, media (which often cooperate to make the "information" more credible), and even public institutions. Serious activities are usually avoided; every word said on 1 April could be untrue. The conviction for this is so strong that the Polish anti-Turkish alliance with Leopold I, signed on 1 April 1683, was backdated to 31 March. However, for some in Poland, prima Aprilis ends at noon of 1 April and prima Aprilis jokes after that hour are considered inappropriate and not classy.
  
  In Poland, prima Aprilis ("First April" in Latin) as a day of pranks is a centuries-long tradition. It is a day when many pranks are played: sometimes very sophisticated hoaxes are prepared by people, media (which often cooperate to make the "information" more credible), and even public institutions. Serious activities are usually avoided; every word said on 1 April could be untrue. The conviction for this is so strong that the Polish anti-Turkish alliance with Leopold I, signed on 1 April 1683, was backdated to 31 March. However, for some in Poland, prima Aprilis ends at noon of 1 April and prima Aprilis jokes after that hour are considered inappropriate and not classy.