In Honor of ‘Star Wars’ Day: 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Jediism

Happy Star Wars Day! So decided upon through the use of a clever pun (“May the Force be with you” = “May the Fourth be with you” = May 4th), May 4th is a day celebrated by Star Wars fans the world over to honor their beloved franchise. But wait! There’s more! May 4th is also an official holiday in the Church of Jedi– and yes, the Church of Jedi is, in fact, a real thing. So, as a nod to this day of days, here’s Crushable’s tribute to Jediism:

1) Jediism isn’t cosplay.
Cosplay (n.): A form of performance art in which participants don costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea. Characters are often drawn from popular fiction in Japan, but not exclusively so. Etymology: A portmanteau of the words “costume” and “play.” Jediism, on the other hand, is an actual post-modern new religious movement that draws its philosophy from the spiritual ideas of the Jedi. That said, the Star Wars movies are not the heart of Jediism; rather, the stories of the films serve as parables. Kind of like the Bible.

2) Jediism is a syncretistic religion.
That is, it’s a faith that involves elements from multiple religions. In this case, Jediism draws from Taoism, Shintoism, Budhhism, Christianity, and Mysticism, among others; it also incorporates martial arts and the Knight’s Code of Chivalry.

3) Jediism isn’t exclusive.
You don’t have to give up what you already believe in to become a member of the Church of Jedi. It works in tandem with your existing religion and/or beliefs, so hoorah for tolerance!

4) Members of the Church of Jedi do believe in the Force.
They also believe that it can be used, but that it should only be used when necessary. And yes, there’s a Dark Side, and yes, fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, and hate leads to suffering.

5) A Jedi hood is not appropriate attire for a supermarket.
In 2009, Daniel Jones, the founder of the International Church of Jedi, was thrown out of a Tesco in North Wales for refusing to remove his hood. Jones, who is also known by his Jedi name as Morda Hehol, tried explaining to the supermarket that wearing headgear in public is part of his religion, but they wouldn’t have any of it. Frankly, I’m having a little trouble figuring out why a supermarket would have such a problem with a hood in the first place. Eccentric, yes; but obscene or bothersome? Not really. So what gives, Tesco?