Every year on May 4, die-hard 'Star Wars' fans celebrate Star Wars Day. For those unaware, “May the Fourth be with you” was chosen as the date as a play on the popular catchphrase from the movie “May the Force be with you.” This day marks the celebration of the Star Wars franchise created by George Lucas in 1977. On this day, fans wish each other by saying 'May the Fourth be with you', instead of 'May the Force be with you', as in the movies.
Interestingly, George Lucas' films have never officially recognized the day as a holiday, but devoted fans and supporters of the hit franchise celebrate the day every year without exception. Fans in the US, Canada, UK and several other countries will come together on May 4 to celebrate Star Wars Day. So as we celebrate Star Wars Day today, here's everything you need to know about the day.
Why is May 4 'Star Wars' Day?
The inspiration behind choosing May 4 as Star Wars Day is the popular line from the series: “May the force be with you.” The phrase is often used by Jedi masters in the film as a sense of goodwill. Fans realized that the phrase sounded a lot like “May the 4th be with you.” Therefore, the date on which “Star Wars” Day is celebrated each year is based solely on a pun.
When did 'Star Wars' day start?
From USA todayOne of the earliest examples of the phrase “May the Fourth be with you” was on May 4, 1979, when a London newspaper writer wished Margaret Thatcher, then Britain's new Prime Minister, good luck on her first day in office. “May the Fourth be with you, Maggie,” the writer wished in a full-page ad. “Congratulations!” it reads on.
Officially, the day was celebrated in 2019 when California lawmakers voted to declare May 4 as Star Wars Day in honor of the opening of Disneyland's Galaxy's Edge.
Interesting facts about 'Star Wars' Day
While May 4 is associated with the Jedi phrase: May the force be with you, May 5 has become known as “Revenge of the Fifth,” a play on Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. May 5th celebrates that Dark Side of the Sith lords in the Star Wars universe.
May is also a big month for the popular franchise: the original Star Wars premiered on May 25, 1977, and its creator, George Lucas, was born on May 14.
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