Recently, it seems that every day is some kind of “National” day. From cheese curds to whales, every day of the year has creatures or objects to celebrate. While it seems these days are getting out of hand, there is Obi-Wan that stands out. One of the most unofficial but widely celebrated holidays, Star Wars Day, has been celebrated by nerds and fans alike every year since 2008. Fans online started referring to May 4 as “Star Wars Day” and saying, “May the 4th be with you.”
Baylor University in Waco, Texas, has been celebrating this unofficial holiday every year since 2023, when Abby Sitton, a graduate of the Baylor School of Music, sought to showcase her musical talents on May 4. She chose to perform original works written by the legendary John Williams, composer for the original Star Wars soundtrack. Her friends livestreamed this event, cheering her on the entire time. This music is now played every year on May 4 through the McLane Carillon system, a bell on the campus’ administration building that plays lovely chimes, which Dr. Chad Prosen, Ed.D. Regional Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions for Baylor University highlights, saying, “students walking to class can enjoy hearing the delightful tones before engaging in their studies.” Normally, music is played every day, on the hour. The music played varies depending on the season, such as Christmas music in December. Regardless, every year on May 4, the music stays the same.
Although the newest Star Wars movies may not BB-GR8, Prosen reflects on his own love for the series, explaining how he is “old enough to remember when the original Star Wars trilogy came out for the first time in theaters and was a big fan as a child.” Unfortunately, many Star Wars traditions, such as lining up at the movies and waiting for hours just to get a good seat, have been lost to time. Historically, when the doors opened, hundreds would storm into the theater dressed up as their favorite characters, plastic lightsabers in hand, cheering that their long wait had finally come to an end.
Similar to Prosen, Minnetonka high school social studies teacher Mr. Hendrickson has been a Star Wars fan for as long as he can remember. He shares how when he was around six years old, he was taken seven times to see Return of the Jedi by his grandma. At this time, Mr. Hendrickson loved Han Solo, a major character in this movie and the ones prior.
While cheese curd day is for people who like cheese curds, Star Wars day is for the fans, the memories, and the fun.
Art by Lexi Smalkoski
