The Origin Story
“May the Fourth be with you,” a pun on the famous Star Wars phrase “May the Force be with you,” has become a cultural phenomenon celebrated by fans of the franchise worldwide. But where did this meme start?
The exact origin of the phrase is somewhat murky, but it’s generally agreed upon that it began with Star Wars fans. The earliest known usage of the phrase appears to be in an advertisement in the London Evening News on May 4, 1979. The ad congratulated Margaret Thatcher on her recent election victory and read, “May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations.”
However, the phrase did not gain widespread use until the advent of the internet. In the early days of the web, Star Wars fans began using the phrase on message boards and in chat rooms, and it quickly spread from there.
Celebrations and Traditions
Today, May the Fourth has become an annual celebration of all things Star Wars. Fans around the world celebrate by hosting viewing parties, dressing up in costume, and attending fan events. Many businesses also get in on the fun, offering discounts and promotions on Star Wars-themed merchandise.
One of the most popular ways to celebrate May the Fourth is by binge-watching Star Wars movies. Some fans even take it a step further and watch all of the movies in one sitting, an epic feat that can take up to 25 hours to complete.
Another popular tradition is to bake Star Wars-themed treats, such as Yoda-shaped cookies or Death Star cake pops. And of course, no May the Fourth celebration would be complete without plenty of Star Wars-themed decorations and merchandise.
The Future of May the Fourth
As the Star Wars franchise continues to grow, it’s safe to say that May the Fourth will continue to be a beloved holiday for fans around the world. With new movies, TV shows, and other content in the works, there will always be something new for fans to celebrate.
In fact, in recent years, the celebration has grown beyond just May 4th. Many fans now celebrate “Star Wars Week,” which includes May the Fourth as well as Revenge of the Fifth (a play on the Star Wars title Revenge of the Sith) on May 5th.
The Dark Side of May the Fourth
While May the Fourth is generally a fun and lighthearted celebration, it’s not without its controversies. Some fans have criticized the holiday as being too commercialized, with businesses using it as a way to sell more merchandise.
Others have pointed out that the phrase “May the Fourth be with you” doesn’t actually make much sense in the context of the Star Wars universe. After all, “May the Force be with you” is meant to convey a wish for good luck or protection, while “May the Fourth be with you” doesn’t really have any meaning beyond the pun.
Despite these criticisms, however, May the Fourth shows no signs of slowing down. As long as there are Star Wars fans out there, there will always be a reason to celebrate this beloved franchise on May 4th and beyond.
And That’s the Origin
So there you have it – the origin story of the “May the Fourth be with you” meme. From a small pun in a newspaper ad to a global phenomenon celebrated by millions of fans, May the Fourth has become an important part of Star Wars culture. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just someone who enjoys a good pun, there’s no denying the appeal of this beloved holiday. So next May 4th, be sure
