May 4 has become World Star Wars Day. The opportunity for fans of the saga to express all their love for the universe of George Lucas, which continues to come in the form of spin-offs or series. An appointment whose origin has nothing to do with the franchise itself.
If this celebration falls on May 4, it is no coincidence, even if it is neither the anniversary date of the first Star Wars, which was released on May 25, 1977, nor that of its creator, which falls on May 14. .
It finds its origin in one of the most important phrases of the saga, “May the Force be with you”, which the Jedi Knights pronounce as one would wish someone good luck before a severe test.
The original version of this line, “May the Force be with you”, was simply modified by the fans: “May the Force” having become “May, the Fourth”, or “May 4”.
Will the force be with you for our forces day on May 4th?
Forces day: May the fourth be with you pic.twitter.com/sm9VZyc5yX
— Woodchurch C of E Primary School (@WoodchurchCofE) April 30, 2022
The production company LucasFilm is therefore not at the origin of this day, but its magnitude is such that it has caught its attention, and it now celebrates it too, with and for the fans, on May 4th. On the site, several products derived from the franchise are offered for the occasion, for what becomes a little more each year a celebration of marketing around the franchise.
The influence of Star Wars
The first occurrence of “May, the Fourth” dates from May 4, 1979, when Margaret Thatcher was elected Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Her party, wishing to congratulate her, bought a half-page of the London Evening News newspaper with this message: “May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations”. It is therefore to the Iron Lady that we owe the birth of the phenomenon.
Since then, winks to the saga have multiplied, especially as this day approaches. Many brands take the opportunity each year to share messages related to the saga, making it a true emblem of 20th and 21st century popular culture.