Top 10 Ways To Celebrate “May The 4th Be With You” STAR WARS Day

Since the very first Star Wars movie came out in 1977, fans everywhere have made the galactic saga their own and found creative ways to celebrate their love of the Force. One of the most visible ways is annually transforming the date of May 4th into “May the Fourth,” the day that Star Wars fandom has created to share their passion around the world. Fans of all ages wear their favorite Star Wars items, partake in parties and screenings, and pass on messages of “May the Force be with you” in person and online.

Lucasfilm has long supported Star Wars fans in their grassroots celebrations, whether they be extravagant or small. Visit Lucasfilm’s official May the 4th microsite, http://maythe4th.starwars.com, for Star Wars Day news, ideas on how to celebrate, special events calendar, themed recipes, fun crafts and activities, fan photos, and a regularly updated list of deals and promotions from major online and brick-and-mortar retailers. Keep track of the Force of fans on Twitter with the #maythe4thbewithyou hashtag — @StarWars will be tweeting highlights on May the 4th and in the days leading up to it.

So what’s the history behind this special day?

Just say “May the 4th Be With You” out loud and you’ll hear the pun that Star Wars fans worldwide have turned into a rallying cry to proclaim their love of the saga. It’s the worldwide day to say “May the Force be with you” to all, and celebrate the beloved Star Wars story that binds our galaxy together.

One of the earliest known records of “May the 4th” used in popular culture is in 1979, as described here by author Alan Arnold while he was chronicling the making of The Empire Strikes Back for Lucasfilm:

Friday, May 4th

Margaret Thatcher has won the election and become Britain’s first woman prime minister. To celebrate their victory her party took a half page of advertising space in the London Evening News. This message, referring to the day of victory, was “May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations,” further proof of the extent to which Star Wars has influenced us all.

Once the Internet allowed Star Wars fans around the world to connect with one another, May the 4th soon became a grassroots tradition each year, with fans online and offline proclaiming it “Star Wars Day.”

While the idea of May the 4th did not start with Lucasfilm, the film company that created Star Wars has fully embraced the spirit of fandom that makes the day so special. The official blog at StarWars.com as well as the official Star Wars social media channels on Twitter (@starwars #MayThe4thBeWithYou) and Facebook (facebook.com/starwars) help spread the word and showcase fan activity. More and more official partners have offered sales, giveaways and exclusives, and have hosted parties and other activities to mark the day.

May the 4th kicks off a season of celebration, particularly since the month of May has always been important to Star Wars fans. The six live-action movies of the Star Wars saga debuted in May (starting with the original Star Wars on May 25th, 1977) and this year, May 25th marks the 30th anniversary of Return of the Jedi. The month of May includes George Lucas’s birthday (May 14, 1944), and has been the traditional start date of the popular Star Wars Weekends at Walt Disney World Resort (this year, the fun begins on May 14th).

With the exciting launch of a new trilogy of movies beginning with Star Wars: Episode VII coming in the near future, this day to celebrate the saga and its amazing fans is certain to become even bigger each year.

Whether you are part of the Rebel Alliance or loyal to the Empire, here are 10 ways for all you Stormtroopers, Jedis and Wookies to celebrate the 4th.

1. Have a Star Wars movie marathon with friends and family! But do you start with the prequels or the original trilogy? Do you mix in some episodes of The Clone Wars? Better decide before your guests arrive, or you may spend the day in a heated debate.
2. Dressing up for special occasions is important, and May the 4^th is no different. Wearing anything from your favorite Star Wars shirt to full-on Stormtrooper gear is completely acceptable. (It’s okay to dress up your pet, too. Bounty hunter bulldogs are especially encouraged.)
3. Food is an essential part of any holiday. Death Star Popcorn Balls or Wookiee Cookies, anyone? Find a variety of recipes on StarWars.com!
4. Toast the saga with the ultimate Star Wars-themed beverage: blue milk, just like Aunt Beru used to make! (Fortunately, unlike Aunt Beru, you don’t own the droids the Empire is looking for.)
5. Feel the Force with Star Wars crafts: turn old socks and rocks into awesome Star Wars keepsakes! Learn how to make a Chewbacca Sock Puppet, Star Wars Snow Globe, and more at StarWars.com!
6. Have you Vadered anyone yet? Now’s the time to give it a try…and be sure to Tweet your photo to @starwars!
7. You know that Rebel Alliance symbol tattoo you’ve been thinking about getting? Today’s the day.
8. Sometimes people use holidays to travel to new places. Why not go to Disneyland or Disney World and ride Star Tours? There are over 50 separate mission possibilities…so don’t plan on eating lunch beforehand.
9. As Yoda said, “Pass on what you have learned.” Introduce a younger sibling, family member, or friend to Star Wars!
10. Do you have any Star Wars toys that you don’t need any more? Donate them and make May the 4th really memorable for children in need.

However, if The Force doesn’t work on your friends or family, you can always pull a Vader. “Join me, and I will complete your training. With our combined strength, we can end this destructive conflict and bring order to the galaxy.”

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