Stars Wars has over the decades attracted a die-hard fan base that is arguably unparalleled among movie franchises.
Since the first movie in George Lucas' space saga, "Star Wars: A New Hope" was released, enthusiasts have been treated to three trilogies and a growing number of TV spinoffs, books and games, creating a widely successful cinematic world like no other.
And such has been the films' extraordinary popularity, Star Wars has now even spawned its own special day.
But some Star Wars newcomers may be unaware of the origins of May the 4th, or they might simply be curious as to how best to mark the occasion. Read on to find out.
Star Wars Day: May The 4th Origins
The popular phrase "May the Fourth Be With You" can be traced back to 1979, when the U.K. Conservative Party paid for a newspaper advertisement saying, "May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations!" to celebrate the party's general election victory.
Professor Nigrin, Executive Director and Curator of the New Jersey Film Festival, states the decision to diarize Star Wars Day was chosen as it is a play on words.
He told Newsweek: "May The Fourth" Star Wars Day is a dangling catchphrase and play on words that pushes you into uttering the whole line from the film: 'May The Force Be With You.'
"The first May the 4th celebration took place at the Toronto Underground Cinema in May 2001.
"It has since taken off and virtually become an unofficial holiday of sorts in the U.S. and in Western society."
However, Professor Jackson wryly notes the occasion nearly did not happen at all, adding: "'May the Force Be With You' [...] was the phrase that appeared in the films.
"The original scripts had May the Force of others be with you," which doesn't map onto the date nearly as well!"
It is interpreted as somewhat ironic that what ostensibly started as a sci-fi escapist caper has since been associated so strongly with politics.
Professor Albert Nigrin said: "Star Wars is a phenomenon like no other. It fundamentally changed so many things about our culture, the film industry, and film merchandising, marketing and the list goes on.
"Star Wars has also had an enormous cultural impact on politics. The Reagan Administration's Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) was named 'Star Wars'.
"[And] President Barack Obama used the phrase 'Jedi mind meld' to describe what some people were expecting him to do in his opposition to make them accept his ideas back in 2013."
How Is Star Wars Day Marked?
Experts agree there were two distinct, yet related, catalysts for the mainstream adoption and celebration of Stars Wars Day.
Professor Nigrin said: "The roots of Star Wars' cult status might be found in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, another film that debuted in the 1970s.
"People reciting lines from the films and going to see it over and over again are elements that also took hold in the Star Wars phenomenon."
Meanwhile, Professor Jackson believes the online world has helped make it easier for like-minded fans to mark Stars Wars Day.
He said: "Enter the internet. About 10 to 15 years ago, Star Wars fans online started using the phrase in annual commemorations of their fandom.
"In so doing, they were taking a phrase that they might have used locally with fans that they knew in person and expanding the geographic scope of their celebrations—it was a fun way to connect with other fans online.
"Things went past lightspeed when Disney bought Lucasfilm in 2012, and beginning in 2013 there has always been an official Star Wars Day celebration in the Disney parks in the U.S., plus exclusive branded merchandise (of course).
"But the important point to keep in mind is that official Star Wars Day is an amplification of fan celebrations, and depends on the genuine excitement of fans all around the world.
"In the end, it's a way for fans to connect, and to wrap themselves in the shared universe of Star Wars for a little while in shared celebration."
He finally notes there is potential dramatic schism among fans as to when Star Wars should really be marked.
The Professor of International Studies at American University said: "Now, there is something of a canon law dispute in some parts of the fandom, with more orthodox folks arguing that Star Wars Day really falls on May 25, the anniversary of the theatrical release of the original film in 1977.
"For the moment the reform party and its corporate backers seem to have the upper hand, and the appeal of the pun is probably decisive here.
"But if Star Wars teaches us one thing, it's that we should not bet against the rebellion or the resistance in the long run!"
