Since making its first appearance in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, one trademark phrase has gained cult status among fans and even those who have never seen the films.
“May the force be with you.”
A popular pop culture reference and the subject of many Internet memes, the line evolved into the catchphrase: “May the 4th be with you.” According to Starwars.com, the pun dates back to 1979, when on May 4 Margaret Thatcher was elected Britain’s first female prime minister. Thatcher’s political party placed a congratulatory ad in The London Evening News that read “May the Fourth be with you, Maggie. Congratulations.” May 4 became affectionately known as “Star Wars Day.”
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Considered a holiday by Star Wars fans, the first organized celebration of “Star Wars Day” took place in Toronto in 2011 at the Toronto Underground Cinema and included a costume contest and film screenings.
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Whether you plan on spending the day binge-watching the franchise’s movies, taking The Hardest Star Wars Quiz Ever or dueling in a lightsabre battle, you’re bound to be greeted by an occasional “May the fourth be with you.” At the very least prepare for your social media feeds to be filled with Star Wars fanfare.
The Internet went crazy last month when Twitter joined in on the fun following the release of the trailer for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, by introducing exclusive Star Wars emoji – which include characters like C3PO and storm troopers.
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Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens opens in theatres on December 18, 2015.
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