Holiday Irony

Upwards of 700 people were arrested in Ireland for alcohol-induced fights in the wake of Saint Patrick's Day partying. Ray O'Conner, a member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, said that, "I do find it ironic that St. Patrick had a mission to evangelize and convert people to a better way of life, and our St. Patrick's Day doesn't reflect any of that Christian heritage." It seems as though a lot of holidays, in fact most, have lost their original meanings and have instead become excuses to party and have fun--including Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, St. Patrick's Day, and Independence Day. Somehow, it makes me sad.