Star Wars Day 2014: Origins and How the Unofficial Holiday is Celebrated

What is Star Wars Day?

Star Wars Day is an unofficial holiday in May which celebrates one of the biggest pop culture phenomenon ever - Star Wars created by George Lucas.

May 4 is considered a holiday by Star Wars fans to celebrate the franchise's film series, books and culture. The date was chosen as 'May the 4th' sounds similar to the series' popular phrase - "May the Force be with you", in which fans commonly say "May the fourth be with you."

The line "May the Force be with you," is spoken several times in the films by members of the rebel alliance (good guys) before they embark on a mission against the evil Empire.

Origins of Star Wars Day

The reference was first used on May 4, 1979 when Margaret Thatcher's political party placed an advertisement in The London Evening News following her taking office as Prime Minister that stated: "May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. Congratulations," according to StarWars.com.

In 2011, the first organised celebration of Star Wars Day took place in Toronto, Canada at the Toronto Underground Cinema. Produced by Sean Ward and Alice Quinn, festivities included an Original Trilogy Trivia Game Show; a costume contest with celebrity judges; and the web's best tribute films, mash-ups, parodies, and remixes on the big screen.

"It has since grown into a grassroots tradition that allows people to reconnect with a film franchise that has touched generations of fans," reports Moviefone.

Disney, which now owns the Star Wars brand after buying Lucasfilm in 2012, is celebrating Star Wars Day by offering free limited edition pins to the first 100 customers who visit its branded stores on May 4.

The Disney Parks around the world will celebrate the holiday with several Star Wars events and festivities.

A simple way to celebrate Star Wars Day at home with kids is by adding lightsabers to family photos using Photoshop. Free alternate software Pixlr is an easy substitute to Photoshop, shares the Moviefone report.

With regards to the upcoming new instalment of Star Wars, the official cast was recently announced. Actors from the original franchise including Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher will reprise their respective characters. New actors joining the franchise include John Boyega (Attack the Block), Daisy Ridley, Domnhal Gleeson (About Time), Oscar Isaac (Inside Llewyn Davis), Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings trilogy) and Adam Driver (Girl).

Star Wars: Episode 7 will be released in December 2015.