St Patrick - a saint to remember fondly

Tomorrow the whole world (apart from Sweden...) will be green to celebrate St Patrick - who was a saint, and not a beer manufacturer. So how come this day has been about drinking beer? I have no idea but manufacturers of course want to sell. Hijacking an event in order to promote their product is of course normal marketing procedure. And beer makes people loose up and enjoy the day, to some extent. So is there a way to celebrate St Patrick sober? Of course there is. Looking around, meeting friends, having a day off, dressing upp, painting your face, waving a flag, looking at people who have gone the extra mile in order to amuse you with their antics or skills... the party is there whether you drink or not. But what is it all about? A country honouring a saint that set them free? Or a country celebrating their special history? In that case - why has the celebration spread all over the world? On Friday Ireland will meet Sweden (soccer...) - and no matter the outcome of the play there will be celebrations. The Irish are renown to always celebrate, just being here is enought. Winning? Celebrate! Loosing? Celebrate! That is a nice way of living and good for the team spirit - the crowd won't spit at you for loosing. But will it make you go the extra mile? The Irish are good authors (Nobel Prize-wise) but you do not see them winning the other prizes. This became a bit muddled and fuzzy... but I do like St Patrick's Day. And a part of my heart will be green on Friday, even if Sweden really need to win.