Each year on May 4th, something magical (and a little nerdy) sweeps across the galaxy—and by galaxy, we mean Earth. “May the 4th Be With You” has become the unofficial (but passionately celebrated) holiday where Star Wars fans unite, lightsabers blaze, droids beep excitedly, and even the most serious adults find themselves humming the Cantina song under their breath.
But how did this clever play on words grow from a simple pun into an international phenomenon? Buckle up your starship, young Padawan—we’re about to jump to hyperspace.
The Origins: From a Political Ad to the Outer Rim
Believe it or not, the phrase “May the 4th be with you” wasn’t first coined by a Jedi Master—it was actually used in 1979 in The London Evening News when Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister. Her political party took out an ad that read:
“May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations!”
From British politics to the Mos Eisley Cantina—that’s quite a leap. But it wasn’t until decades later that Star Wars fans fully embraced the pun and turned May 4th into a day-long (okay, sometimes week-long) galactic celebration.
What Happens on May the 4th?
If you feel a strange disturbance in the Force on May 4th, it’s probably because millions of fans across the world are celebrating. Activities include:
- Lightsaber Battles: Parks, conventions, and even living rooms transform into training grounds for epic (and often clumsy) lightsaber duels.
- Costume Contests: Whether you dress up as a dashing Han Solo, an elegant Princess Leia, or a disturbingly realistic Jabba the Hutt, cosplay rules the day.
- Movie Marathons: True fans start at Episode I and bravely binge all the way to The Rise of Skywalker. (Snack reserves must be strong.)
- Special Merchandise: Limited-edition toys, shirts, LEGO sets, and collectibles magically appear—then disappear faster than the Millennium Falcon making the Kessel Run.
- Theme Park Celebrations: Places like Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge kick things up a notch with special events, rare character sightings, and enough blue milk to make Luke Skywalker proud.
Why Fans Love It So Much
In a world that often feels like it’s teetering between the Dark Side and the Light, May the 4th offers a joyful escape. It’s a day to embrace hope, heroism, humor—and maybe even admit that deep down, you do know the difference between a Wampa and a Tauntaun.
It’s also about community. You can walk into almost any coffee shop, grocery store, or office on May 4th and hear someone whisper “May the 4th be with you”—and just like that, you know you’re among fellow rebels, smugglers, Sith Lords, and Wookiees.
Fun Ways to Celebrate (Even If You’re Not a Jedi Master)
- Host a Star Wars trivia night and settle once and for all who knows the most obscure planet names.
- Cook a galactic feast: Wookiee Cookies, Yoda Soda, and Darth Taters are all on the menu.
- Build your own droid (or at least attempt it with LEGOs and duct tape).
- Adopt the greeting “Hello there” to anyone you meet, Obi-Wan style.
One Last Thing: Watch Out for Revenge of the Fifth
As if May the 4th weren’t enough, some fans keep the party rolling with “Revenge of the Fifth” on May 5th—a day dedicated to the darker side of the Force. It’s the perfect excuse to show some love for Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, and all the galaxy’s most deliciously evil characters.
So this May 4th, whether you’re piloting a rusty freighter or just binge-watching from your couch, remember:
The Force will be with you… always.
