If St Patrick was a Christian out to convert the pagans of Ireland why do most Americans today celebrate the holiday by getting drunk? |
Answer
Because that's what America seems to do with most holidays. Memorial Day, Labor Day, 4th of July, New Years, etc. However, due to great Irish beer, it just makes sense to celebrate with a frosty one. Have you ever met an Irishman who didn't like beer? Also, the holiday has become a day of celebration, focusing not only on St. Patrick but the plight of the Irishmen, and a day to honor Ireland.
As a side note, there are more Irish-Americans in the US than there are Irish countrymen in Ireland, due to the throngs of immigrants that came to the US: "the steadily scaling number of Irish who entered the U.S. between 1820 and 1830 skyrocketed in the 1840s, nearly 2 million came in that decade. The flow persisted increasingly for another five years, as the first immigrants began to earn the means of sending for relatives and friends. The decade after 1855 showed a subside in the movement, but smaller numbers continued to arrive after the Civil War. Altogether, almost 3.5 million Irishmen entered the U.S. between 1820 and 1880." from http://library.thinkquest.org/20619/Biblio.html
Our ancestors had it really rough when they got here, as I'm sure you may know. So there is great pride in that Irish ancestory. While yes, some may pose, many of us like to celebrate our heritage/background - and we'll celebrate with people of every descent, Irish or not, especially if you buy us a beer.
Answer
I second that - either that or they think if they drink beer like the Irish, they are celebrating with them!!
Answer
Because Irish made beer and st. Patricks day is the only Irish holiday for Americans
First answer by ID3639682211. Last edit by ID3639682211. Question popularity: 124 [recommend question].
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