May the Fourth Be With You: The Force of Star Wars Day
Star Wars Day is an informal commemorative day observed annually on May 4th to celebrate the Star Wars (thanks to Wikipedia) media franchise created by filmmaker George Lucas. Observance of the day spread quickly through media and grassroots celebrations since the franchise began in 1977.
The date originated from the pun "May the Fourth be with you", from the Star Wars catchphrase "May the Force be with you." Even though the holiday was not created or declared by Lucasfilm, many Star Wars fans have chosen to celebrate the holiday. It has since been embraced by Lucasfilm and the Walt Disney Company as an annual celebration of Star Wars.
The release date of the original Star Wars movie, May 25, 1977, is celebrated by some as Geek Pride Day.
Star Wars Day, celebrated annually on May 4th, is a special day for fans of the iconic space opera franchise. This day is a homage to the famous phrase 'May the Force be with you,' with a pun on the date 'May the Fourth.' Let's dive into the galaxy far, far away and discover how you can celebrate Star Wars Day like a true Jedi Master.
The History of Star Wars Day
The first recorded reference of the phrase being used was on May 4, 1979, the day after Margaret Thatcher was elected as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Her political party, the Conservatives, placed a congratulatory advertisement in the Evening News saying "May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. Congratulations."
In the 1988 episode of Count Duckula, "The Vampire Strikes Back", a space-faring superhero, Tremendous Terrance, asks Duckula the date and is told, "May the Fourth". As Terrance departs, he tells all below, "May the Fourth be with you."
The phrase was used in a UK Parliament defense debate on May 4, 1994.
In 2008, the first Facebook groups appeared, celebrating Luke Skywalker Day, with the same catchphrase.
In 2011, the first organized celebration of Star Wars Day took place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada at the Toronto Underground Cinema.
In June 2021, it was announced that Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia in the films) would receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2022. She received the star on Star Wars Day, May 4, 2023 seven years after her death.
Who Celebrates Star Wars Day and How
Fans (including government officials, such as Boris Johnson) have celebrated Star Wars in a variety of ways in social media and on television.
Major League Baseball, association football, and college sports teams have paid tribute to Star Wars in different ways. Minor League Baseball teams such as our own Rochester Red Wings have worn special uniforms as part of Star Wars Day promotions.
On Star Wars Day 2015, astronauts in the International Space Station watched Star Wars.
- Dress the Part: Show your allegiance to the light side or dark side by dressing up as your favorite Star Wars character. Whether you choose to be a Jedi, Sith, or a droid, let your inner fan shine through your costume.
- Movie Marathon: Host a Star Wars movie marathon with your friends or family. Watch the entire saga from 'A New Hope' to 'The Rise of Skywalker' and immerse yourself in the epic story of the Skywalker family.
- Star Wars Trivia: Test your knowledge of the Star Wars universe with a trivia night. Challenge your friends to see who is the ultimate Star Wars fan and may the best Jedi win.
- Lightsaber Duel: Grab your lightsaber (or make one) and engage in a friendly lightsaber duel. Practice your Jedi moves and showcase your skills in epic battles worthy of a galaxy far, far away.
May the 4th Be With You
Whether you're a seasoned Star Wars fan or a newcomer to the franchise, Star Wars Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate the beloved saga. May the Force be with you as you embark on a day filled with galactic adventures, memorable moments, and the enduring spirit of Star Wars.
We can help you celebrate Star Wars Day with costumes and accessories for all ages!