By Cliff Roberts Cavalier Daily Associate Editor
St. Patrick's Day originated as a Catholic holiday to celebrate the accomplishments of the Irish missionary Patrick. But today, the holiday has different meanings for many University students.
"I don't think anyone knows what [St. Patrick's Day] is about, but even if people don't know what they're doing, I suppose it's a good thing that people come together and have fun with Irish heritage," fourth-year College student Jeff Anderson said.
For second-year College student Ryan Fay, whose ancestors were mostly Irish, having fun with St. Patrick's Day traditions has always been the most important part of the holiday.
"My family always had corned beef, cabbage and potatoes, but this year I think my friends and I are going to settle with Lucky Charms and potato chips," Fay said. "And if I see people not wearing green, I'm still going to pinch them."
For second-year Nursing student Susie Carl, the holiday is not about celebrating an Irish heritage. To Carl, its location on the calendar is most important.
"What I like best about St. Patrick's Day is that it is two days before my birthday," she said.
Many students plan to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the ritual of drinking green and Irish beer.
"I don't think green beer is necessary -- it doesn't really add much," Fay said. "Irish beer seems more important. I prefer Killian's, because Guinness feels more like a meal, although I do love Irish Car Bombs."
Similarly, Anderson doesn't partake in drinking green beer but embraces other St. Patrick's Day customs.
"I do not trust beer that is green," Anderson said. "But [as for the saying, "Kiss me I'm Irish"], if you can get away with it, I admire any ridiculous pickup lines that work."
When asked if he was offended by an American version of the holiday in which everyone claims to be Irish while mocking Irish accents and Irish stereotypes of alcoholism, Fay responded, "I don't worry about that. I just try to have fun with it because having fun is what Irish people do best."
Saint Patrick's Day Fun Facts
Saint Patrick was born in England, not Ireland.
The saying "Erin go Bragh" means "Ireland forever."
St. Patrick used the shamrock as a way of explaining the trinity in Christianity to the Irish people.
Kissing the Blarney stone, located in a castle in the town of Blarney, Ireland, is said to make the kisser a "smooth talker."
From: http://www.holiday-central.net/st_patricks_day_fun_facts.asp
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