Star Wars Day is celebrated annually on May 4th, a date chosen for its pun on the famous Jedi phrase, “May the force be with you.” Today, devoted fans of the epic space saga greet each other with “May the fourth be with you,” a playful twist on the classic movie line.
The epic Star Wars franchise was created by George Lucas in 1977 with the first film released being Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977). While the exact origin of Star Wars Day is unknown, the phrase “May the 4th Be With You” first appeared in 1978, shortly after the release of the first film. One of the earliest known uses of the phrase occurred on May 4, 1979, when a writer for a London newspaper congratulated Britain’s new prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, on her first day in office. The concept gained significant traction with the rise of social media, where users began incorporating it into hashtags.
During Star Wars Day, fans often host themed parties and engage in binge-watching the films. The movies are available to watch on Disney + Hotstar for those wishing to join in on the celebration. Meanwhile, George Lucas, the creator of the Star Wars franchise, will be felicitated with an honorary Palme d’Or at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival on May 25th.
