May the Fourth be with you. If you're a Star Wars fan, you'll no doubt look forward to uttering this greeting to fellow enthusiasts on May 4 every year.
Star Wars is one of the biggest movie franchises of all times, and each May 4 takes on a very special significance for millions of fans around the world.
The unofficial event continues to become more and more popular as it celebrates one of cinema's most successful franchises.
Its popularity continues after the release of Mandalorian and other Star Wars-inspired series on Disney, such as Obi-Wan Kenobi.
What is Star Wars Day?
Star Wars Day, or May 4, is an annual date where fans from around the world celebrate all things from a galaxy far, far away.
Observances of the day stretch right back to 1978, just one year after the original film released and changed cinema forever.
Many fans choose to dress up as their favourite characters, watch the films together or share their favourite moments online.
It's an annual tradition for Star Wars fans to use the phrase May the Fourth be with you on May 4, because it resembles one of the most iconic phrases in the franchise.
Why do people say May the Fourth be with you?
The pun on the date May 4, which you might hear today, is based on the phrase May the Force be with you, which is a phrase from the Star Wars universe used to wish an individual or group good luck or good will.
The speaker is wishing that the Force will work in favour of the addressee.
Obi-Wan Kenobi explains the Force: "Well, the Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It's an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together."
The phrase was often used when individuals parted ways, or faced an impending challenge.
The phrase originated in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope, which was released in 1977.
It was first used by General Jan Dodonna, after Luke Skywalker says: "It's not impossible. I used to bullseye womp rats in my T-16 back home, they're not gonna get bigger than two meters."
Then, General Dodanna says: "Then man your ships. And may the Force be with you."
The phrase has continued to be used in Star Wars stories ever since.
Meanwhile, others believe the line originated from the Latin phrase Dominus vobiscum, which means The Lord be with you.
This blessing is traditionally used by the Clergy in Roman Catholic Mass, as well as modern services.
What to reply if someone says May the Fourth be with you
There is still much debate as to what you should reply if someone says May the Fourth be with you.
One person on Twitter said: "The proper response to 'May the 4th be with you' is 'and with your spirit'".
Someone replied saying: "Still prefer 'and also with you'. Probably because I'm old!".
Another agreed, saying: "Call me a hipster but 'and also with you' will always be the true response."
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