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by yoho05 reminds you to DYOH on March 16th, 2007
It is based on the racial stereotype of the Irish as hard drinkers. As Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, drinking a lot is a way of identifying with the Irish. Of course, St Paddy's Day is really just an excuse to celebrate after a long cold winter and a break from the abstinence from liquor that many Irish Catholics undertake for Lent, which also occurs at this time of the year.
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Comments
the best explanation yet :)
by starnite on March 16th, 2007
St. Patrick's day is a day in honor of St. Patrick's death, the Patron St. of Ireland. Traditionally, the Irish feast and drink in honor for the deceased at a wake. So over the years as the holiday has become more Americanized, it has grown from a feast and some drinking, to a day known only for drinking. Not necessarily from the racial stereotype that the Irish love to drink. Although, that would be the easy assumption.
by heartofahero on March 14th, 2011