Frank: The pagan expression of Halloween would be much different from the modern interpretation. St Patrick's is a Catholic celebration and "Christmas," if we are talking strictly about the "Christ-Mass" that falls on that day, is a Christian celebration...although some controversy surrounds the date and origins of traditions.

Elara : St Patrick's day is supposed to be associated with...Saint Patrick. Who is attributed to Christianity's arrival in Ireland. The other things attached to it's celebration are really just cultural developments.

Annete: Yes, this is a major difference. Christians believe that others need to hear about the God of the Bible. Methods of doing this must be consistent with the Bible's teaching that only the Holy Spirit can provide faith. I know it seems sometimes like there are a lot of Christians out there shoving their beliefs down people's throats. Ignore them, because the quieter majority just want to share the free gift of Eternal Life that they have received.

Middlemoor : I know that. Drove the snakes out of Ireland and converted them all. But when people celebrate St. Patrick's day, what do you normally see? Green shamrocks, corned beef & cabbage, beer, and leprechauns. Only really devout Catholics and those actually in Ireland treat it as a religious holiday anymore, to the rest of the world it is a cultural festival much like other major holidays.

I find it amusing that our modern Halloween celebration also has roots in Ireland with the jack-o-lantern carved from turnips and trick or treating while in guise.

I personally think St. Patrick's has been distorted, foolishly. It has become nothing more than an excuse to get very drunk and make vain genealogical connections to Ireland. I'm with anyone else who wants to have fun that day and celebrate Ireland and Irish themes, but I don't know why people charge into it so blindly...

They did the same thing with Cinco de Mayo. Do you think that Americans really care about the Battle of La Puebla and driving off the French? Hell, most people think it is Mexico's Independence Day (it isn't, that is September 16th). Even most Mexicans celebrate it like we do... booze and parties. Just like most Irish Americans celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Why they do it like that... I don't really know. I am still curious to see what happens to all the corned beef when St. Paddy's falls on a Friday (being during Lent and all)... do they do a fish fry instead? The Protestant half will still eat it I suppose.

I think most human beings are ignorant about most things. Myself included. At least I have made the decision not to be involved in the mania surrounding alcohol. People look for any excuse to party hard, drink hard and get involved in all kinds of stupidity.