Observing the extraterrestrial realm, the significance of May 4th lies in its labeling as Star Wars Day due to the phrase "May the Fourth be with you," famously uttered by the character Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars series.
Celebrate the splendor of a far-off galaxy and its iconic franchise every May 4th, as we revel in the unofficial holiday known as Star Wars Day! This day of merriment wasn't birthed during a prehistoric era or in a celestial kingdom, but it has been a magnetic force in our world since its inception.
Star Wars Day, initially a witty jab at the much-adored catchphrase, "May the force be with you," has morphed into a global celebration cherished by fans worldwide. The combination of these words has gained such popularity that even the current President of the United States, Joe Biden, recognized it last year when "Star Wars" actor Mark Hamill visited the White House.
Remarkably, the infamous phrase has roots tracing back to 1979, when it was cleverly utilized in a British political advertisement endorsing Margaret Thatcher's election victory on May 4th. However, fans have been using the phrase since the late '70s, shortly following the release of "Star Wars: A New Hope" in 1977.
Though the first official Star Wars Day is often considered May 25th, the date of the original movie's release, some insist the proper celebration falls on May 4th. This dispute resulted in the Los Angeles City Council declaring May 25th Star Wars Day in 2007, while the California Legislature designated May 4th as Star Wars Day in 2019.
As Star Wars Day grew in fame, it was celebrated among fans through inside jokes on social media and movie viewings. Businesses, too, jumped on the bandwagon, using May 4th for advertisements and social media posting. Disney, now the proprietor of Lucasfilm, has fully embraced the day, leveraging it for merchandise, special screenings, and events to amplify the Star Wars phenomenon.
However, not all Star Wars aficionados are enamored with the commercialization of this charming, once-underground joke. Chris Taylor, a senior editor at Mashable and author of "How Star Wars Conquered the Universe," claims the title of "May the 4th grinch." Despite his disdain for its commodification, the day continues to be commemorated in various ways across the globe.
This year, Disney+ will debut a new series, "Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld," on May 4th and season 2 of "Andor" will commence. However, it also follows the announcement of a new standalone Star Wars film, with Ryan Gosling set to star, slated for release in 2027.
In honor of this glorious day, Disney will introduce fresh Star Wars merchandise, including lightsaber sets, jewelry, and more. Sports fans can rejoice as most Major League Baseball teams have been hosting special events incorporating Star Wars characters in recent years.
From themed cookies in bakeries to kaleidoscopic concerts featuring the melodious scores of the films, May the 4th celebrations have infiltrated every nook and cranny. In New Hope, Pennsylvania, a small town sharing a name with the subtitle of "Star Wars: A New Hope," the festivities are at an all-time high. This town of 2,600 residents, located 30 miles northeast of Philadelphia, plans to have costumed characters roaming the streets, with restaurants offering themed items like the "YodaRita."
"I used to jest around and wish people 'May the 4th' - but going this far, I've definitely taken my Star Wars fandom to the next level," says Michael Sklar, president of the Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce. So, may the 4th—and the force—be ever in your favor!
- The current President of the United States, Joe Biden, acknowledged Star Wars Day last year when "Star Wars" actor Mark Hamill visited the White House.
- The combination of the words "May the force be with you" has gained such popularity that it is now a global celebration.
- Disney, now the proprietor of Lucasfilm, has fully embraced Star Wars Day, leveraging it for merchandise, special screenings, and events to amplify the Star Wars phenomenon.
- This year, Disney+ will debut a new series, "Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld," on May 4th and season 2 of "Andor" will commence.
- From themed cookies in bakeries to kaleidoscopic concerts featuring the melodious scores of the films, May the 4th celebrations have infiltrated every nook and cranny.
- A small town sharing a name with the subtitle of "Star Wars: A New Hope," New Hope, Pennsylvania, plans to have costumed characters roaming the streets, and restaurants offering themed items like the "YodaRita."
