May 4 is unofficially known as “Star Wars Day.” Star Wars has been a huge part of pop culture ever since Luke, Leia, and Han first appeared on the silver screen. This year fans will likely be mourning the loss of actor Peter Mayhew, who portrayed Chewbacca in the films. He died April 30.
This week, we are taking a closer look at Star Wars Day and the franchise’s fans. Hopefully, these are the facts you are looking for.
Origins
While celebrating May 4 as “Star Wars Day” is a relatively new tradition, the pun actually dates back all the way to 1979 — just two years after the first film was released.
The first known usage of “May the Fourth Be With You” came in an advertisement in the London Evening News. The ad was taken out by Britain’s Conservative Party, who were celebrating the election of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. She was inaugurated on May 4, 1979.
Many consider the first official “Star Wars Day” to have originated in Toronto in 2011. Every year organizers host a huge Star Wars-themed party that includes a costume contest, a trivia game show, and an after party. In 2018 the group raised over $6,000 for Make-a-Wish Canada.
May is a Big Deal for Star Wars Fans
Celebrating Star Wars during the month of May seems appropriate, as the first six movies were all released in May. This includes:
- A New Hope (May 25, 1977)
- The Empire Strikes Back (May 21, 1980)
- Return of the Jedi (May 25, 1983)
- The Phantom Menace (May 19, 1999)
- Attack of the Clones (May 16, 2002)
- Revenge of the Sith (May 19, 2005).
In contrast, all three of the newest movies have been released in December, which will include this year’s The Rise of Skywalker. However, last year’s Solo: A Star Wars Story was released on May 10.
May 25 is officially Geek Pride Day. This date was selected, in part, because of its connection to the release of the first Star Wars film (it also references Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series and Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy).
Disneyland also plans on opening Star Wars: Galaxy's End on May 31. All reservations for the opening month of the attraction were snapped up within two hours.
Finally, Star Wars creator George Lucas celebrates his birthday during this month — he was born May 14, 1944.
Star Wars at the Ballpark?
It has become somewhat trendy for minor league baseball and hockey teams to wear all sorts of crazy themed jerseys. (Consider the Don Cherry-themed jerseys worn by WHL teams, which has raised over $460,000 for organ donation.) These special promotions attract fans and, in some cases, the jerseys are then auctioned off for charity.
Star Wars remains one of the most popular jersey themes. Last year, there was no shortage of teams celebrating May the 4th.
More than Fans
Some fans love the Star Wars films so much that they want to become a Jedi — for real, or as close as you can get anyway. Thus, the Church of Jediism was formed in 2007. There are now more than 500,000 followers around the world. This includes actor Warwick Davis, best known for his roles in Willow, the Harry Potter films, and as the Ewok Wicket in Return of the Jedi.
Jediists do not necessarily believe in a supreme deity. Rather, they believe in the Force as a “unifying energy everything exists within, around and always returns to.”
Members of the Temple of the Jedi Order follow 16 Teachings, along with 21 Maxims.
If you want to join the Church of Jediism, all you really need to do is sign up to receive their newsletter. It is also recommended that you start the five pillar Jediist Master training course.
Who Has the Higher Ground?
Perhaps no series of films has generated as much love, hate, and debate as Star Wars.
When Return of the Jedi came out, fans hated the Ewoks. Some are still angry.
Also consider the outrage over the change made in the “special editions” of the original trilogy. Perhaps the most notable of these changes involved the “Han Shot First” issue.
The prequel trilogy, and The Phantom Menace in particular, is largely derided by fans — although you are starting to see more defenders of these films.
Of course, Jar Jar Binks might be one of the most hated characters of all time. Ahmed Best, the actor who played Jar Jar, received death threats and even contemplated suicide. Jake Lloyd, the child actor who played Anankin in Phantom Menace, also quit acting as a result of fan outrage.
The current sequel trilogy has also angered fans, with some so upset with The Last Jedi they set up a crowdfunding campaign to remake and “fix” the film.
Star Wars may sometimes be labelled as a “toxic fandom,” but that shouldn’t prevent you from getting out this weekend and celebrating everything you love about Star Wars!
Looking for ways to celebrate? The Moose Jaw Public Library will have a Star Wars-themed event for kids from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday. This will include a series of challenges that will help you train to become a Jedi. This drop-in event is appropriate for ages 2-12. Parents must accompany their children.
And don’t forget about the Saskatchewan Entertainment Expo, which will be held Saturday and Sunday in Regina. Joe’s Place Youth Centre will be on hand throughout the event, along with members of the 501st Legion, a Star Wars cosplay group. It’s sure to be a fun weekend!
