Star Wars: Now add a lightsaber to your Facebook profile to celebrate The Force Awakens

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is set for release in the UK on 17 December and it looks like the frenzy is catching up with fans the world over. Joining the chorus is Facebook, which is allowing users to add a lightsaber to their profile pictures.

The social media giant has in the past encouraged people to apply filters on their existing profile images corresponding to various events, including the US Supreme Court's ruling on same-sex marriages and the very recent Paris attacks.

The latest feature allows users to choose between two types of lightsabers: The evil red or Luke's blue. Users can position the lightsaber on the image. The feature also comes with an expiry date, so that you can get your image back to normal whenever you wish.

Facebook started testing the ability to temporarily change profile images in September this year. The move came in around the same time when Snapchat launched its branded selfie lenses, which allowed users to experiment with a host of creative filters for selfies, many of which are in association with upcoming movies like The Peanuts Movie.

The original profile image filters by Facebook were limited to show support for landmark causes, like the US allowing same-sex marriages, where users could add a rainbow filter showing support for the decision. Soon after the 13 November Paris attacks, Facebook users all over the world were able to use the French flag filter on their profile images.

The addition of the temporary lightsabers in association with a commercial venture now raises the question if Facebook would use this as a full-fledged advertising tool. Other than causes, Facebook also has permanent options for adding sports team logos over profile images, suggestions for which prop up during major sporting events.

To change your profile picture you can go to the Star Wars Facebook Page's timeline and click the try it button. Here are some users who tried out the latest feature.