Over the years, May 4 has become a celebratory day for the fans of Star Wars. If you have watched the film, you must be aware of its catchphrase ‘May the force be with you’, on which the fans have created a pun which says, ‘May the 4th be with you’. From the day Star Wars day is celebrated on 4th of May by the fans of the franchise.
Interestingly, the makers did not have anything to do with the formation of a Star Wars Day, although Lucasfilm did realise its importance among fans and have embraced it with true spirit.
Star Wars Day is celebrated like any other festival, fans are often known to host movie marathons of the franchise, there are Star Wars theme/costume parties and of course, the flooding of celebratory messaging over social media.
History of Star Wars Day:
In 1979 on May 4, it was the first time when Star Wars was used as a pop culture reference. It happened to be the day, Margaret Thatcher took office as the first Woman Prime Minister of UK. Her party posted an advertisement in the London Evening News as a congratulatory message which read, “May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations.” This has been recorded as the first instance when ‘May the Fourth’ was used as a Star Wars reference and ever since, fans of the franchise have taken it ahead and made it into a regularly celebrated day.
Significance of Star Wars Day:
‘May the force be with you’ the catchphrase that gave birth to a celebratory day was originated in the Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. The catchphrase continued to be part of Star Wars stories ever since. The final page of The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight features the phrase “May the force be with you!” In the films, this phrase is often said by the characters as they part ways or are about to face an impending challenge.
Celebration of Star Wars Day:
The first organized celebration of Star Wars Day took place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 2011. Produced by Sean Ward and Alice Quinn, the celebration included an Original Trilogy Trivia Game Show and a costume contest with celebrity judges.
Much of the credit for Star Wars Day celebration also goes to Disney. After Disney purchased Lucasfilm in 2012, it has been a marketer’s dream what with Star Wars theme parks and merchandise followed by Star Wars themed fireworks becoming a ritual for the Star Wars day.
