‘Star Wars’ fans share big plans, rituals for May 4

May 4 has emerged in recent years as a day of celebration for all things “Star Wars.”

It’s the one day you can make into a phrase — “May the Fourth be with you” — that sounds nearly identical to an iconic line from the early movies.

The franchise’s website says the date being used as a reference to “Star Wars” appeared as early as 1979, and that it’s slowly grown more popular each year.

While the idea of May the 4th did not start with Lucasfilm, the film company that created “Star Wars” has fully embraced the spirit of fandom that makes the day so special.

The website also says May 4 kicks off “a season of celebration,” since the first six films in the series all have debuted in May, and George Lucas’ birthday is in the middle of the month, as well.

A video was posted to the “Star Wars” YouTube account Monday that shows fans sharing their “Star Wars Day” rituals.

One guy — wearing a “Star Trek” outfit, coincidentally — mentioned his birthday falls on May 4, while a couple said they plan to get married on the “holiday.” Many of the fans said they use the day to watch the six films, but the order they watch them in varies.

The second trailer for a new installment of the franchise — “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens” — was released last month. The film — which brings back Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher, along with a host of new actors and characters — is expected to premiere in December.