May the 4th is here! Star Wars day is celebrated by celebrity fans

By Kelsi Karruli

May the force – fourth – be with you! May 4 has been branded Star Wars Day and time for fans of the franchise to celebrate the film with special deals and more. 

A long time ago in a galaxy far far away, the Star Wars universe featured just a few films. Now the franchise is still growing, with 12 movies, including spinoffs, and nine TV shows. 

And while movie lovers gush over the sci fi series all year round, there is one special day in the month of May that became National Star Wars Day because of the phrase, ‘May the force be with you,’ which was used by Jedi masters in the movies.

The influence of George Lucas – the Star Wars creator – on pop culture is undeniable, with thousands of fans coming together on May 4 to celebrate. And the benefits of the special day go beyond its meme-y origins, with many retailers offering Star Wars lovers special deals on top-selling products. 

Why is May 4th called Star Wars day? 

Although many fans believe the fourth day of May became Star Wars day due to the turn of the phrase, ‘May the force be with you,’ it was primarily because of a general election. 

According to Lucasfilm, the iconic slogan was initially switched around in 1978 as a way to greet others on the Fourth of July. 

The emphasis on Star Wars on the fourth of the month of May can actually be traced back to the 1979 UK general election. 

The emphasis on Star Wars on the fourth of the month of May can actually be traced back to the 1979 UK general election (Peter Mayhew and Harrison Ford pictured in Star Wars IV in 1977)

The following year, in 1979, May 4 became the unofficial day of the fandom when Margaret Thatcher (pictured in 1979) became Britain’s first female prime minister

The following year, in 1979, May 4 became the unofficial day of the fandom when Margaret Thatcher became Britain’s first female prime minister. 

To celebrate her success, her party bought a half-page ad in the May 4, 1979, edition of The London Evening News. 

The issue read: ‘May the fourth be with you, Maggie. Congratulations!’ 

And because May the fourth be with you doesn’t have the same ring to it in other languages, the term Star Wars Day was adopted. 

It was observed as a day for the fandom for decades, however, it wasn’t until 2019 that it was officially recognized.

In 2019, California lawmakers voted to declare May 4 National Star Wars Day in honor of Disney’s Galaxy Edge opening. 

May is also a memorable month for fans of the franchise. 

The original Star Wars premiered on May 25, 1977, and George Lucas’s birthday is May 14. 

Get ready to laugh! The best of memes shared on Star Wars Day 

One of the best things that comes out of Star Wars day is the hilarious memes that are shared by fans all around the world

One of the best things that comes out of Star Wars Day is the hilarious memes that are shared by fans all around the world. 

Star Wars Day represents more than just a witty quote, it marks a day for fans to pen some of the best jokes the web sees all year. 

Fans flock to Twitter on the fourth day of May to share creative memes. 

From Chewbacca photos to cats dressed as a character for the film, there is nothing too extreme when it comes to Star Wars day puns. 

‘May the force be with mew,’ wrote one user alongside a cat dressed as Rey.

Another person shared an image of their dog donning a hoodie and captioned it, ‘May the fourth be with you.’ 

One user even celebrated the day by giving Chewbacca his very own hair ad. 

And while many fans tweet out memes, others simply take to social media to wish fellow Star Wars lovers a happy May fourth

And while many fans tweet out memes, others simply take to social media to wish fellow Star Wars lovers a happy May fourth. 

‘May the fourth be with you all,’ wrote one user. 

Another person showed off the Star Wars-themed cookies she made to celebrate the day. 

‘Happy may the fourth be with you! It’s a legal requirement to wear as much Star Wars stuff as you can today, right?’ wrote another user.   

One person posed with a Light Saber and said: ‘Happy Star Wars Day. May the fourth be with you.’ 

Shop till you drop! Fans can get special deals on Star Wars products on May 4th – and indulge in Light Saber Churros

In the midst of their Star Wars movie marathons and scrolling through all of the witty memes, fans can also indulge in discounted and special products like these Grogu cookies 

You can get Light Saber Churros, and Darth Vader Cupcakes at Walt Disney World

Homesick Candles will be offering ‘The Bounty’ and The Rescue’ scents on May 4

In the midst of their Star Wars movie marathons and scrolling through all of the witty memes, fans can also indulge in discounted and special products. 

Collectors of Star Wars products can snag film-inspired products at a discount on May 4. 

Major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart, will have discounts on special film-related products. 

Specialty retailers like Lego, Disney, and more will have brand-new products and special deals. 

Amazon will have special deals on May 4, including toys, books, movies, games, and more.

You can get 20 per cent off all Star Wars products at Target, put your savvy skills to use with Walmart’s discounted film-inspired products. 

Homesick Candles will be offering ‘The Bounty’ and The Rescue’ scents. 

Loungefly will be offering a Darth Vader crossbody bag for $75. 

You can get buy one, get one 40 per cent off Star Wars toys at Macy’s. 

Loungefly will be offering a Darth Vader crossbody bag for $75 on Star Wars day 

Disney Parks will be offering many cookies that are iced to match the Star Wars theme

Disney will aslo have discounted Star Wars products like this baseball cap 

Lego will be giving out special gifts with the purchase of Star Wars products. If you spend $40 you get an X-Wing model, if you spend $85 you get a limited edition coin, and if you spend $150 you get a miniature Death Star kit. 

Lego will also be giving video game lovers the chance to play with the new character, Luke Starkiller, for free. 

Rocket League will allow you to use the R2-D2 Player Banner for free. 

And many places will even be offering special Star Wars-inspired food and drinks. 

The downtown Disney district, resorts, and parks will all be offering film-inspired treats. 

You can get Light Saber Churros, and Darth Vader Cupcakes at Walt Disney World Resort, or indulge in cookies iced to look like Grogu at Disneyland Park. 

Deals are subject to change every year.