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HAPPY STAR WARS DAY

Star Wars Day: Why is May the 4th be with you said?

THE phrase "May the Fourth" is commonly used by fans on Star Wars Day.

Each year lovers of the Skywalkers, the Resistance and Yoda’s wise words celebrate the iconic sci-fi franchise on one particular day.

 Famed Star Wars characters C-3PO and R2D2
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Famed Star Wars characters C-3PO and R2D2

What is Star Wars Day?

Star Wars Day happens on May 4 every year and thousands are celebrating around the globe.

The date was chosen as a pun on the franchise's catchphrase "May the force be with you".

The day celebrates the Star Wars franchise films that were created by George Lucas and have become hugely popular among millions worldwide.

The day was not declared by Lucasfilm but the film company has since embraced the idea of celebrating Star Wars on May 4.

Why is 'May the 4th be with you' said?

The date for Star Wars day was chosen as a play on words of the Star Wars quote "May the Force be with you".

In the movies the phrase is used to wish an individual good luck and that they would have favour with The Force.

The franchise was launched back in 1977 with Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, and quickly became a worldwide phenomenon branching out to release books, a television series, video games and comics.

"May the Fourth be with you” is said to have first been coined in a newspaper advertisement by the Conservative party, on May 4, 1979.

The advert commemorated the day Margaret Thatcher took up office as the UK Prime Minister.

The Walt Disney Company, which bought the rights to Star Wars and Lucasfilm in 2012, now hosts celebrations in its Disneyland and Walt Disney World theme parks.

The hashtag #MayTheFourthBeWithYou is used on Twitter around the world.

How is Star Wars Day celebrated?

Many Star Wars fans take advantage of the day by binge-watching some of the famous sci-fi movies.

There are also plenty of ways to bury yourself in the sci-fi fun, from reading the comics to splashing out on memorabilia.

WHAT ARE THE STAR WARS FILMS IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER AND WHEN WERE THEY RELEASED?

1. Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

2. Star Wars: Episode II - Attack Of The Clones (2002)

3. Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith (2005)

4. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

5. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

6. Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

7. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

8. Star Wars: Episode VI - Return Of The Jedi (1983)

9. Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)

10. Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)

11. Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise Of Skywalker (2019)

Fans can also enjoy the many memes out there to celebrate the special day.

You can also watch all of the films in all different orders.

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