The Accidental Star Wars Holiday That Began with a Political Joke

Photo by Tommy van Kessel on Unsplash
Get ready to geek out, fellow nerds! The legendary “May the Fourth” Star Wars Day has a hilariously unexpected origin story that’ll make even the most hardcore fans do a double-take.
What started as a cheeky political pun has transformed into a global celebration that would make even Darth Vader crack a smile. Back in 1979, when Margaret Thatcher was elected Prime Minister, the Conservative Party dropped a legendary wordplay ad in the London Evening News that read, “May The Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations”. Little did they know they were about to birth an intergalactic phenomenon.
How a Pun Became a Cultural Phenomenon
Fans quickly adopted the punny phrase, turning it into an annual celebration that now rivals major holidays. From movie marathons to cosplay extravaganzas, Star Wars enthusiasts have transformed May 4th into their own unofficial galactic festival. Disney parks and streaming platforms have caught on, offering exclusive content and merchandise drops that make fans squeal with excitement.
Responding to the Force
True Star Wars devotees know there’s a proper etiquette when someone wishes you “May the Fourth be with you”. The classic response? “And also with you” - a cheeky nod to Catholic Mass responses that shows you’re not just a casual fan, but a true intergalactic linguist.
Celebrating Like a Jedi
Want to join the celebration? Dust off those lightsabers, stream “Andor” on Disney+, or hit up Galaxy’s Edge for the ultimate immersive experience. Fortnite players can even get an exclusive first look at “Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld” - proving that the Force truly transcends media platforms. May the fourth be with you, indeed!
AUTHOR: kg
SOURCE: NBC Bay Area