De Stomme Slist, also known as “The Dumb List,” is a Dutch tradition that dates back to the 17th century. This annual event takes place on the first day of April and involves playing pranks on friends, family, and even strangers. The origins of De Stomme Slist are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been inspired by the French tradition of “Poisson d’Avril” (April Fish).
On De Stomme Slist, people will try to fool others by telling them outrageous stories or playing practical jokes. These pranks can range from harmless and lighthearted to elaborate and mischievous. Some common pranks include sticking a fake spider in someone’s bed, putting salt in the sugar bowl, or sending fake invitations to nonexistent events.
One of the most popular pranks on De Stomme Slist is the “inflatable coin” trick. In this prank, a person will offer someone a coin that appears to be ordinary. However, when the unsuspecting victim tries to pick it up, they will find that it is actually an inflatable toy that deflates in their hand. This trick never fails to elicit laughter and surprise from those who fall for it.
Another classic prank is the “fake lottery ticket” gag. In this prank, a person will give someone a lottery ticket that appears to be a winning one. The victim will be overjoyed at their apparent stroke of luck, only to realize that the ticket is fake and their dreams of riches have been dashed.
De Stomme Slist is a time-honored tradition that brings people together through laughter and good-natured fun. It allows people to let loose and enjoy a day of playful trickery without causing harm or offense. The spirit of De Stomme Slist is one of camaraderie and joy, as people come together to share in the lighthearted mischief of the day.
So, if you find yourself in the Netherlands on the first of April, be on the lookout for any suspicious behavior or overly elaborate stories. You may just be the next victim of De Stomme Slist, and find yourself at the receiving end of a clever prank that will leave you laughing and shaking your head in disbelief.