May luck be our companion
May friends stand by our side
May history remind us all
Of Ireland’s faith and pride.
May God bless us with happiness
May love and faith abide.
~Irish Blessing

Americans love St. Patrick’s Day for many reasons. Of course there is the fact that mass consumption of Guinness and Jameson is widely and publicly condoned. We certainly look forward to the release of painting the town green at least once a year. But it seems to go a little deeper than just the revelry. In a country divided in so many ways, St. Patrick’s Day is a joyful holiday we can all (well, except for the real scrooges) agree upon.

St. Patrick’s Day is also a part of our history as a nation. The holiday was first celebrated in the United States by Irish settlers in Boston, MA in 1737. The second largest St. Patrick’s Day parade and celebration in the United States was founded in Savannah, GA in 1813. Over time, the tradition spread from the large colonial cities to the newer states and gradually into smaller towns, anywhere the Irish congregated and lived. These days many, if not most, American cities host festivities that often span several days and offer a wide range of activities. Some are family-centered and religious; some are crowded parades or debaucherous parties that rival only those of Mardi Gras. Whatever your flavor, there is a way to celebrate.

Another tie that binds our love to the holiday is the large percentage of Americans who have at least some Irish ancestry, or claim to. I have never met anyone who wasn’t extremely proud of their Irish heritage, especially on St. Patrick’s Day. As the Irish saying goes, “There are only two kinds of people in the world, the Irish and those who wish they were.” You know it is a proud tradition when hoards of people are pretending to be Irish!

But the truth is no one has to pretend. We are all Irish in some way, shape or form—on St. Patrick’s Day and throughout the year. This is a holiday that has been celebrated in America since before our states were united. With time, and despite the significant opposition our early Irish faced, American traditions were gradually steeped in Irish traditions and vice versa. To the point that they became a significant part of who we all are and what we value. The laudable Irish traits of optimism, hope, faith and loyalty are an integral part of the American spirit as we know it. If you find nothing else to celebrate today, have a drink or two (or six) to that.