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Health & Fitness

Wishing You A Very Merry Star Wars Day

A look at the fun and traditions of May 4th, National Star Wars Day.

 

Growing up as the only girl with six brothers, five my senior and only one younger, I now know that I enjoyed many things that other little girls may not have experienced. For example, I realized quickly that X-men and GI Joe figures could double for Ken doll replacements, with no accessories required! There were also thankfully few hand me downs, as I was destined to wear all things pink until at least puberty.

Despite the obvious spoils of cabbage patched dolls and purple ponies, my favorite part about being the only girl, was when we would play act scenes from Star Wars.  I recall, my eldest brother, by default of stature, would most often play Darth Vader, while my other brothers fought over who would be Luke, Obi-Wan or Han. If it was one thing I could count on, it was that no one ever fought over who got to play Leia.

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Dusting off the vinyl Star Wars soundtrack and coaxing the aged record player we would arm ourselves with Super Soaker blasters and Lego strong technology. Just like the original film with that first scene opening with Darth Vader commandeering and boarding the rebel ship, my biggest brother Dave would soon barge through the hallway sliding door as the other “storm troopers” cleared his path. “Help me Obi-Wan Kanobi, you’re my only hope!” I cried before being taken into custody.

Perhaps this is why I have grown in affinity for the classic films and the many traditions that surround the Star Wars geek culture internationally. Not that I am one to cos play or dress up without reason, but I have admittedly attended every re-release of all the originals and was at every midnight showing of the infamous (and unforgivable) prequels.  So, it was with great curiosity and interest that I first learned of efforts to make an unofficial Star Wars Holiday. “May the fourth be with you” the Internet told me, and I believed him.  But, how does one celebrate a Star Wars Holiday? 

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The History of National Star Wars Day

In 2005, George Lucas was asked on a German TV news channel to say in English, “May the Force be with you.” The translator accurately, and however innocently, translated it as, “We are with you on May 4." While this may not be the exact origin, May 4 had previously been known to fans as “Luke Skywalker Day” because of the character’s frequent use of the phrase.  In 2007, Los Angeles City Council declared May 25 as Star Wars Day in honor of the original release date in May 25, 1977. There can still be some debate over which day should be the true Star Wars holiday. All of the films premiered in the month of May though at different times, only the first one was released on the 25th.   However, an official announcement from starwars.com stating “all will be revealed when the countdown reaches zero” (on May 4, 2011) shows the organizations support for the fan generated holiday. Speculation over what exactly will be revealed range from the release of the original trilogy on Blu-Ray to the off chance of filming an Episode VII.   

How to celebrate National Star Wars Day

No matter what, there is plenty to do and experience besides just watching the films or going to work dressed in traditional Star Wars attire. Like any other special day, traditions are essential to establish it as a holiday. So here are some suggestions:

-Send a Star Wars eCard to family and friends. 

-Learn the words to “Happy Life Day” and sing along with Princess Leia in the “Star Wars Holiday Special."

-Read or listen to the unforgettable “Twas the Night Before Christmas Star Wars."

-Watch “Star Wars Uncut” the Emmy award winning fan film compiled by Casey Pugh.

-Or join the cause to make it an internationally recognized holiday.

Either way you celebrate it, May the fourth be with you, always. 

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