<P> Star Wars Day, May 4, celebrates George Lucas' Star Wars . It is observed by fans of the media franchise . Observance of the holiday spread quickly through media and grassroots celebrations . </P> <P> The date was chosen for the pun on the catchphrase "May the Force be with you" as "May the Fourth be with you". Even though the holiday was not actually created or declared by Lucasfilm, many Star Wars fans across the world have chosen to celebrate the holiday . It has since been embraced by Lucasfilm as an annual celebration of Star Wars . </P> <P> Apocryphally, the reference was first used on May 4, 1979, the day Margaret Thatcher took office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom . An online news article from the Danish public broadcaster says her political party, the Conservatives, placed a congratulatory advertisement in The London Evening News, saying "May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie . Congratulations ." </P> <P> The saying was used in a UK Parliament defence debate on May 4th 1994 . </P>

When did may the 4th be with you begin