'May the 4th be with you': Former British PM Margaret Thatcher's unique connection with Star Wars day

"May the fourth be with you!" - a phrase that has been used innumerable times by fans, leaders, and pop icons. But how many of us know the origin of the phase? Of course, it is merely a wordplay of the famous dialogue 'May the force be with you' from 'Star Wars', but who used it first and how did May 4 become Star Wars day?

Here is the story behind it.

The only reason May 4 is celebrated as Star Wars day because the franchise felt that 'May the fourth' sounded similar to 'May the force'. That really is the only reason. The phrase was first used in an article published in The London Evening News back in 1979 and the date was May 4. This was the day when Margaret Thatcher first took office as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

It was supposed to be a congratulatory advertisement by her political party and it read, “May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. Congratulations.”

The phrase caught the fancy of the franchise and it decided to adapt it and celebrate every May 4 as Star Wars day.  The day is typically dedicated to the loyal and ardent fans of the Star Wars franchise created by George Luca in 1977. The Walt Disney Company took over the franchise in 2012 and organises annual events celebrating May 4 every year.

Interestingly, while May 4 is a Jedi phrase, May 5  is celebrated as the 'Revenge of the Fifth' which is again a wordplay on Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. May 5 celebrates that Dark Side or the Sith lords in the Star Wars Universe.

While each year, there are events, quizzes and contests organised to celebrate May 4 which attract a large number of people in different parts of the world, this year the franchise released a video for their fans owing to the current coronavirus. The video is a montage of all the films in franchise featuring popular stars and characters from the films over the years and delivers a powerful message of hope- which is apt for the current time.
Here have a look.

May the force be with you in such an unprecedented time.