Today is St. Patrick’s Day.
For some Americans, it is an excuse to get rip-roaring drunk. Given that a high percentage of those
vomiting in some toilet or alley way are in their early twenties (or younger),
I think back to times in Ireland when St. Patrick’s Day was considered a Holy
Day.
The Catholic Church and the tourism officials have vacillated on this
issue (“Yes: hoist the pint! or No: you can wait till after Lent.) The
Irish-Americans held the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Manhattan in 1848,
while the Irish celebrated with a parade in 1903.
It comes down to politics, really. Until the 70s, there was a
ban on selling in pubs on March 17. In
1995, the tourist industry saw new opportunities to throw open the pub doors for visitors and residents alike.
Many in Ireland observe March 17 as a Holy Day; it falls
during Lent and should be give respect.
If I see one more shirt exalting the Irish and its drinking, I
will also find a toilet or alley way.
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| Get your Irish on |
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| I'm Irish and I love it! |
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| Everyone is Irish! |
