What does 'May the Fourth be with You' mean?

Even if you are not a hardcore Star Wars fan, you must have heard the phrase “May the fourth be with you” on your social media feed or for social groups. Were you able to comprehend what it meant or kept scrolling down towards the amusing thing that made more sense to you?

If you are scouting the web, wondering what the phrase exactly means and how did it originate, then you have landed on the right page. Here, we are answering all your questions regarding the phrase and also teaching you some other puns related to the franchise that you will surely come across on the social media if you already haven’t. Just keep reading to learn more about it.

“May the fourth be with you” is, in fact, a play on “May the force be with you,” which is a phrase commonly heard in the 'Star Wars' movies. Ever since the first installment of the series came out in 1977, Star Wars films have exploded to the extent that no other movie franchise has been able to reach. It didn’t take too long for people to come up with the amusing line.

Most people believe that it was first acknowledged in 1977. Back in the year, 4 May was the day when the first female prime minister of Britain, Margaret Hilda Thatcher, assumed the office and congratulating her for the victory, London Evening News wrote the headline, “May the fourth be with you, Maggie.” Though the movie was released two years ago, it had become a worldwide rage with fans eagerly waiting for the next installment.

So, years later, when Star Wars had grown manifolds and reached even greater heights, the fans of the franchise, who were now connected to each other through the internet, now turned it into a full-fledged holiday, and it became popular as Star Wars Day.

Though it may not be an official public holiday, Star Wars fans leave no stone un turned when it comes to making this day special. The first ever organized event was held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 2011.

Since then, the day has been observed all across the globe with fans dressing up as different characters from the films. Besides, there are other ways the day is observed as well. Disney, having bought Lucasfilm and the franchise in 2012, organizes several may the fourth be with your activities and events, at its numerous amusement parks all over the world. Therefore, don’t be surprised if you find Princess Leia riding the metro or Darth Wader looking for a cab on the day.

Since, 4th May 2017 marked as the first year the Star Wars Day was being observed after the death of Carrie Fisher, who portrayed the character of Princess Leia in the franchise, fans used the social media to pour out their tribute to the actress.

You will be amused to know that this is not the only amusing pun that Star Wars fans have come up with. 'Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith,' which was the sixth movie of the franchise, gave rise to Revenge of the Fifth. Following the Star Wars Day on 4th May, it is observed to celebrate the Sith Lords instead of Jedis of the franchise.

Are you a Star Wars fan or one of those who thinks the franchise is too hyped? Whatever are your opinions about the franchise or the pun, share them with us using the dedicated comment section below. We would love to hear from you.

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