“In a galaxy far, far away” — well actually, in this one — fans nationwide are celebrating “Star Wars Day” on May 4. A classic line from the franchise’s 1977 debut, “Episode IV - A New Hope,” has earned its own annual recognition for English speakers as a pun: “May the fourth be with you.”
“Star Wars” is a franchise so ingrained in American culture that even those who have never seen the films recognize its imagery. Every year, thousands of memes and videos resurface online. While fans drive most of the engagement, the films’ actors often join the festivities, including Harrison Ford, who played Han Solo.
‘Star Wars’ universal lines
- General Jan Dodonna: “May the Force be with you.”
- Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Obi-Wan Kenobi and C-3PO: “I have a bad feeling about this.”
- Darth Vader: “No, I am your father.”
- Yoda: “Do. Or do not. There is no try.”
- Darth Vader: “I find your lack of faith disturbing.”
- Obi-Wan Kenobi: “These aren’t the droids you’re looking for.”
- Leia Organa: “Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You’re my only hope.”
- Yoda: “Wars not make one great.”
- Qui-Gon Jinn: “The ability to speak does not make you intelligent.”
- Han Solo: “Never tell me the odds.”
- Anakin Skywalker: “I don’t like sand. It’s coarse and rough and irritating, and it gets everywhere.”
How May 4 became a ‘Star Wars’ fandom holiday and beyond
While the series has long held global attention, Star Wars Day didn’t become the phenomenon it is today until the early 2010s. Lucasfilm officially recognized the holiday in 2013, and the internet took it from there, according to the official “Star Wars” website.
Since then, corporations, professional sports organizations and even other film franchises have paid tribute. Entities ranging from NASCAR and MLB to the official social accounts for “The Sound of Music” have joined the celebration.
If you feel lost amid the May 4 chaos, don’t worry. You aren’t the only one left at the docking bay; plenty of people are still trying to figure out what a “nerf herder” is.