Why We Say "May the 4th Be With You": The Origins of Star Wars Day
When you think of May 4th, chances are you think of lightsabers, Jedi robes, and that iconic line: "May the Force be with you." But how did this day—once just another spring date on the calendar—become a global celebration of one of the most beloved franchises in cinematic history?
It all starts with a pun. A simple play on words that would ignite an intergalactic tradition and reshape how pop culture embraces fandom.
The Joke That Sparked a Phenomenon
"May the 4th be with you" sounds almost identical to "May the Force be with you," the now-legendary line first uttered in George Lucas' original 1977 Star Wars. But the pun didn't come from the franchise itself. It first hit the public eye in 1979, when the phrase appeared in a newspaper ad by the Conservative Party in the UK congratulating Margaret Thatcher on becoming Prime Minister. It read, "May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. Congratulations."
Yeah, really.
At the time, it was just a clever joke. But for fans, it was more than that. It was an entry point to build something of their own.
From Underground to Unstoppable
Fast-forward to the early 2000s. Social media was beginning to boom, and niche communities finally had a space to celebrate their passions. By 2011, fans in Toronto hosted the first organized "Star Wars Day" celebration with trivia, costumes, and movie marathons. It wasn't long before the idea exploded online.
Lucasfilm, at first hands-off, eventually embraced the holiday. Disney, which acquired the franchise in 2012, took things to hyperspace.
Now, May 4th is a massive media moment, with new content drops on Disney+, themed park events, and exclusive merch lighting up shelves and screens.
More Than Just Memes
Sure, the pun is fun. But Star Wars Day represents something more profound: the power of community. Every May 4th, fans of all ages and backgrounds celebrate their love of a galaxy far, far away. Whether you're rewatching Empire Strikes Back for the 500th time or dressing your dog like Yoda, May the 4th is about belonging.
And isn't that what the Force is all about?