Every year on the 4th of May Star Wars fan celebrate Star Wars Day. Children dress up in costumes of their favourite character, Disney Theme Parks hold special festivals and cinemas show classic films from the famous Sci-Fi franchise. But why has this day been chosen to celebrate this event?
The answer is actually a play-on-words with the famous quote from the films “May the force be with you” and the date May the Fourth. Some fans take this word-play even further and will celebrate the Sith Lords and other villainous characters 2 days later on May 6th. This celebration is known as “Revenge of the Sixth”.
This one day celebration of a galaxy far far away has its origins back in 1979 when Conservative Prime Minister Margret Thatcher was elected for the first time. To congratulate her, an advert was placed in a national newspaper with the headline "May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. Congratulations." Since then it has been used more and more, but it was with the creation of social media that this day really became famous around the world as a moment to celebrate all things Skywalker, Storm Trooper and Princess Leia!
Even though the creators of Star Wars, Lucas Films, did not create this day, they have fully embraced it and actively encourage their fans to celebrate in any way they can.
From everyone at WestOne, May the 4th be with you!
