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Star Wars fans are ready to duel over the quality of the originals and sequels any time of the day.
However, when it comes to the official Star Wars Day we all quickly agree to one date. May 4th may not have started as an official holiday. Yet is considered a sacred and stamped day for the fans.
There is a strong union among the lightsabers, spaceships, spacetroopers, and R2-D2 fans, on May 4th. Surprisingly you will see The Empire and The Resistance fans hanging out together engaging in a light banter.
The origins of May 4th cannot be tracked to a certain official event. The joke started in the office and multiplied like stormtroopers. Now it is celebrated as an official day.
Furthermore, the Star Wars production industry cashes the money and the fans are more than ready to spend a few grand to enjoy their favorite fantasy franchise.
How did it Start?
In 1978, a year after the release of ‘Episode IV: A New Hope’ directed by George Lucas. The local American Newspaper published the catchphrase ‘May the 4th be with you’ on Independence Day, 4th of July.
The audience quickly caught on to the phrase. While many were perplexed by the use of the words. Several fans found it amusing and were slightly inspired by the clever choice.
Star Wars is one of the best space operas of all time. The first release in 1977 quickly snared high-ranking spots in Hollywood. To this day it is one of the unbeatable global box office sensations.
The idea of advanced technology, space exploration, and unique themes enchanted the fans and they were drawn. Further, the cleverly thought newspaper slogan spread like wildfire. May 4th soon became an international phenomenon.
So much so that coincidently the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Margaret Thatcher, received an extravagant congratulations. The slogan was raised again and the papers published ‘May the 4th be with you, Maggie, Congratulations!’
Randy Thom’s Carefree Banter
Not many people know this. Randy Thoms had unintentionally thought of the May 4th pun naturally. Thoms was the sound director at the time and has held the ambient effects position for more than three decades now.
Thom recalls coming up with the phrase when he wrapped up his shooting day on May 4th in California. At the end of the shoot, it clicked for him. Thom has shared that he used the pun with others at the office and on several occasions officially too.
The Original Slogan
Star Wars' original slogan ‘May the force be with you’ was a symbol of union among the Jedi. International fans later confessed on occasions they were bemused too when their friends came up with the same thing.
‘May the 4th be with you’ is at this point an unwritten rule that is supported by billions of fans globally. No fan wants to give up a chance to show off their Star Wars knowledge, lightsaber, and Star Wars game collections. They get 2 to 3 days and amazing Star Wars Day lightsaber sales to freely enjoy their Star Wars fantasies with other galaxy cultures.
No wonder it feels like Star Wars on planet Earth. Where the Earth is a huge galaxy with small planets and a diversity of creatures coming together to celebrate a unanimous space culture.
The First official Meeting
Times when people come together they create ways to keep the entertainment flowing. Similarly, Toronto fans chose a day to celebrate and host Star Wars-themed parties. The first official gathering happened on May 4th, 2011 in Underground Cinema in Toronto.
Star Wars movies were screened and fans snickered and laughed over their popcorn at the Tatooine race contest. A Star Wars-themed cosplay competition was held and broadcast on local TV. The wholesome event was capitalized by the media and Star Wars producers.
Soon the trend of the official holiday became an unwavering law. Unlike the first unintentional yet intentional meeting. Now Disney has created an official platform for fans to be a part of the fantasy Star Wars world.
From LucasFilm to Disney Plus
When LucasFilm got the air of quickly raising Star Wars popularity. They decided to amp up the fun for the Jedi and Sith fanatics.
Before 2012 cafes, restaurants, bookstores, and game spots celebrated Star Wars Day traditionally. Props and cosplay costumes were decorated and the theme was pasted all over the place. Lucasfilm sponsored the contests and the commercials.
Later as the Star Wars lore expanded. May 4th-themed merch was introduced. T-shirts, hoodies, caps, bags, and whatnot were released gracing the stormtroopers mask, the fiery Sith talisman, and the crystal of Aantonaii.
Disney’s takeover after 2012 was a bonanza moment for Star Wars fans. Disney is notorious for capitalizing and the Hallmark advertisement. So Disney did what they did.
A platform was created for the fans to come together and enjoy the exclusive space experience. Limited Star Wars merch further fired the fans to get their hands on the best. Fans have equally enjoyed the experience and have expressed their pleasure over the Disney galactic conquests and activities.
In 2021, Disney Hotel, Galactic Starcruise was established promising fans the unforgettable. Disney gave Star Wars lightsaber fans a three-night immersive experience. The hotel was a huge success at first. However, it was later shut down due to low profit and declining user reputation.
All the amusement was introduced to honor the May 4th holidays. Fans flood to the designated areas and compete in epic duels, share mystic theories about the movies, and predict the next Star Wars movies.
Conclusion
Disney has put out many projects and ideas to keep the force spirit of Star Wars fans thriving.
The active and excited Star Wars fans always outdo themselves. Some plan ahead their schedule to not miss the ravishing May 4th activities. While others head to local gatherings to boost their improving lightsaber skills.
It is astonishing how an unofficial holiday holds so much power and meaning to the Galaxy fans!
