A Long Time Ago In A Galaxy Far Far Away

May the 4th be with you: The origin and meaning of the Star Wars holiday

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...

May the 4th be with you! This popular phrase has become synonymous with Star Wars Day, an unofficial holiday celebrated by fans of the beloved sci-fi franchise. But where did this day come from, and what does it mean?

The origin of May the 4th be with you can be traced back to 1979, when Margaret Thatcher became the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The British newspaper The Evening News ran a congratulatory advertisement that included the phrase "May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. Congratulations." This advertisement is widely believed to be the first recorded instance of the phrase "May the 4th be with you."

In the years that followed, the phrase gained popularity among Star Wars fans. In 1983, the sci-fi magazine Starlog published an article about Star Wars Day, which was celebrated on May 4th. The article helped to spread the word about the holiday, and it soon became a tradition among fans.

Today, Star Wars Day is celebrated all over the world. Fans of all ages gather to watch Star Wars movies, play Star Wars games, and dress up as their favorite characters. The holiday is also a popular time for Star Wars-themed events and merchandise releases.

So, if you're a fan of Star Wars, be sure to mark your calendar for May the 4th. It's a day to celebrate your love of the franchise and to share it with fellow fans.