Celebrating Galactic Day: The Evolution of "May the 4th Be With You" as Star Wars Fans' Holiday
May the Fourth acting as a Star Wars celebration: Insights from passionate followers on the significance of 'May the Force be with you'.
You don't need a lightsaber or live far, far away to join in on the intergalactic merriment. Every May 4, Star Wars fans across the globe take part in a galaxy-wide celebration, known affectionately as Star Wars Day.
This unusual holiday may not have its roots in a long time ago or a galaxy far, far away, but it sure feels that way! The heart of the festivities lies in the catchy phrase "May the Fourth Be With You," which pays homage to one of the saga's most popular expressions, "May the force be with you."
The phrase was initially coined by fans in the years after the first film was released in 1977, even appearing in a British political ad in 1979 commemorating Margaret Thatcher's May 4 victory as Prime Minister.
Despite lacking official recognition, Star Wars Day has gained enough mainstream acceptance that even former U.S. President Joe Biden joined in on the fun last year, welcoming Star Wars actor Mark Hamill, the original Luke Skywalker, to the White House the day before the celebration.
While some fans observe May 25, the date of the first film's release as the official Star Wars Day, May 4 has become the widespread choice, with businesses and brands joining in on the fun. From Nissan to Jameson Whiskey, companies run ads or post social media messages paying tribute to the space epic.
Disney, one of Star Wars' current custodians, fully embraced the holiday, using it as an opportunity to promote the franchise through merchandise, special screenings, and themed events. The 2022 edition of the celebration is no exception, as Disney launches the new streaming series "Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi" on the day, along with the second season of another franchise series, "Andor."
Not every Star Wars fan is enamored with the holiday's commercialization, with Senior Editor at Mashable and Star Wars movie expert Chris Taylor labeling himself a "May the 4th Grinch." Still, it's hard to ignore the vast and varied celebrations taking place around the world, from bakeries serving themed cookies to massive town-wide festivals in towns named similar to the first film's subtitle, "New Hope."
With a second stand-alone film starring Ryan Gosling slated for release in 2027 and several new series in development, the Star Wars universe continues to thrive, making May 4 an even more important day for fans to gather and celebrate their passion for this epic franchise. So this year, grab your lightsaber and join in on the fun—May the 4th be with you!
- Fans of Bollywood, cricket, and sci-fi-and-fantasy can join the intergalactic merriment, as Star Wars Day, conceptualized around the catchphrase "May the 4th Be With You," welcomes fans globally every May 4th.
- Entertainment brands have caught onto the spirit of Star Wars Day, with companies like Nissan and Jameson Whiskey running ads and posting tributes to the space epic on this day.
- Lucasfilm, one of the current stewards of the Star Wars franchise, uses this day for its promotion, launching new series like "Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi" and the second season of "Andor" on May 4th.
- Some Star Wars fans may dislike the commercialization of Star Wars Day, with Senior Editor at Mashable, Chris Taylor, self-proclaimed as a "May the 4th Grinch."
- As new additions like a second standalone film starring Ryan Gosling (2027) and several new series are in the pipeline, Star Wars fans can look forward to even more reasons to celebrate and gather on May 4th, a testament to the enduring popularity of the epic franchise.
