If you’re a Star Wars fan, saying “May the 4th Be With You” is almost the equivalent of saying “Merry Christmas.” Today is the day to celebrate all things Star Wars.
In a world not so far away and not so long ago, the first use of the pun came up in 1979, according to the Star Wars website. Margaret Thatcher had just won the election and become Britain’s first woman prime minister on May 4. Her party took out a half page of advertising in the London Evening News. Referring to the election victory, the ad read ‘May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations.’
Fans of the space opera saga will greet each other with the phrase online and off today as well as sporting their Star Wars paraphernalia.
Lucasfilm, the film company that created Star Wars has fully embraced the spirit of fandom that makes the day so special despite not starting the catchphrase. According to this website, businesses like Best Buy, Game Stop, Target, Walmart, and others may offer special deals on Star Wars gear. Make sure to check with your local stores on Star Wars deals and discounts.
The six live-action movies of the Star Wars saga debuted in May, with the original Star Wars on May 25, 1977). The month of May includes George Lucas’ birthday (May 14, 1944), and has been the traditional start date of the popular Star Wars Weekends at Walt Disney World Resort.
Here are some ways you can celebrate the day, Star Wars style:
1. Rewatch the series in the machete order. You could sit down and watch Episode I all the way through VII, or pretend those prequels and Jar Jar Binks didn’t happen.
- Episode IV
- Episode V
- Episode II
- Episode III
- Episode VI
- Episode VII
There’s an in-depth reasoning for this, and for more information, check out this link.
2. You can also test your knowledge with Star Wars trivia quizzes! You can try this quiz, or this one, or this really difficult one.
As an authentic Star Wars fan, you probably incorporate movie quotes into your daily conversations, Make a point to do it today. There are various quotes from the movies that work pretty well into normal conversations.
Like when someone locks the doors behind you, just say ” and hope they don’t have blasters.” If someone doubts something you have said, convince them with the quote “Search your feelings, you know it to be true.” If a coworker says they will try to do something, just tell them “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” While this probably won’t help your popularity around the water cooler, it might get you a high five from a fellow fan.
3. If you would rather stay in after work, you could try some arts and crafts. Make your own lightsaber, or other crafts at this website.
What will you be doing to celebrate your love of Star Wars? Let us know in the comments!
Jacqui Atkielski can be contacted at j.atkielski@thebaynet.com