It’s no secret that the highly celebrated Star Wars franchise has a very loyal fandom. And if you’re a member, you probably look forward to May 4 every year. The day is celebrated as Star Wars Day by fans all over the world and the festivities are unparalleled to any other fandom-powered event. Here are 5 things you might not know about the day:
1. It has political origins:
The phrase ‘May the Fourth be with You’ was first used on May 4, 1979 — the day Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister of the UK. It was posted as a congratulatory message by her political party. The pun is a play on the Star Wars phrase — May the Force be with You, and is the reason this particular day was chosen by fans as a day of celebration.
2. Canadians love Star Wars:
The very first organised Star Wars Day event occurred in 2011 at Toronto, Ontario, Canada at the Toronto Underground Cinema. The event included a costume contest that was judged by local radio hosts, an Original Trilogy Trivia Game Show as well as screenings of various remixes, parodies and other Star Wars related content.
3. Revenge of the Fifth
May 5th, the following day, humorously came to be known as ‘Revenge of the Fifth’. A play on Star Wars Episode III — Revenge of the Sith, on this day, many fans choose to extend their Star Wars-themed celebration. Since it immediately follows Star Wars Day, many fans choose to step over to the dark side and become a part of the Siths — for one day at least.
4. Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012
In 2012, The Walt Disney Company acquired Lucasfilm, the creators of the Star Wars saga, founded by George Lucas. According to USA Today, Lucas continued to serve as a creative consultant. Since it purchased Lucasfilm, The Walt Disney Company has joined in on the celebrations of various Star Wars events and festivities at Disney theme parks.
5. Worldwide celebrations
What started out as a pun, has become a full-fledged celebration that is recognised by fans worldwide. Star Wars movie marathons, Star Wars-themed cooking and baking, catching up with its novels, comics and animated series; and shopping sprees are only a few of the numerous ways people choose to spend their time on May 4. Many fans even go as far as to dress up as their favourite characters, or participate in cosplay events on this day.
— Anieka Sequeira and Sanya Lulla are interns at Gulf News.
