It’s May 4. It’s my birthday. Now, I’ve had my birthday on May 4 for decades. When did “May the Fourth Be With You,” come along to horn in on my birthday.
In the 1977 film “Star Wars: A New Hope,” the phrase “May the force be with you” is said by Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi to Luke Skywalker and is mentioned many more times throughout the movie series.
The unofficial holiday grew as a way for fans to celebrate the “Star Wars” movies as May the 4th sounds a lot like “May the force.”
The first use of the phrase came from a British political ad, according to StarWars.com.
British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was elected to office on May 4, 1979, two years after “Star Wars” was released. To congratulate her, the Conservative Party placed an ad in the London Evening News. It read, “May The Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations.”
Some ways to celebrate May the 4th, also called Star Wars Day, from the Star Wars website include:
- Check out what’s new in Star Wars games.
- Organize a “Star Wars” movie marathon. Enjoy themed food such as blue milk pudding.
- Dress up in Star Wars costumes.
- Visit Galaxy’s Edge at Disney parks.
- Get ready for “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” which will be released May 22. It’s an upcoming Star Wars film that follows the adventures of Din Djarin, a Mandalorian bounty hunter, and his young apprentice Grogu, as they work with the New Republic to combat the remaining Imperial warlords after the fall of the Galactic Empire.
- Look for Star Wars crafts, trivia contests, and Star Wars-themed events.
Enjoy.
