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 United States saw nearly 3.5 million Irish immigrants come to her shores seeking a new life. See the related link from more information.
  • 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 ancestry. 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.
  • I second that - either that or they think if they drink beer like the Irish, they are celebrating with them!!
  • Because Irish made beer and St. Patricks day is the only Irish holiday for Americans.

Because during LENT Catholics were obligated to abstain from a great many pleasures including drinking. But on Saint Patricks day the church absolves us of this burden resulting in excessive drinking and leads to much mayhem s well.
Contributor: Luvhistory2010
First answer by ID3639682211. Last edit by Kenny908. Contributor trust: 0 [recommend contributor recommended]. Question popularity: 124 [recommend question].