Traditionally, St. Patrick’s Day honors the Patron Saint of Ireland, and the

December 3, 2012 12:00 am
Perhaps because Mardi Gras has recently put people in the novelty necklace spirit, St. Patrick's Day often involves green plastic beads, as seen at the St. Patrick's Day parade in San Francisco, California.
Perhaps because Mardi Gras has recently put people in the novelty necklace spirit, St. Patrick's Day often involves green plastic beads, as seen at the St. Patrick's Day parade in San Francisco, California.

Traditionally, St. Patrick’s Day honors the Patron Saint of Ireland, and the spread of Christianity to the island. But the holiday is more broadly celebrated in America, where after a few Guinnesses, anyone can be Irish. For a holiday that recognizes the unique culture of Ireland, there certainly are a lot of American tropes thrown into the revelry. In case you can’t remember your last few St. Patrick’s Days, here’s what to expect.Published on March 12, 2012

But one of the greatest traditions of all is green beers like at Lodo's Bar and Grill in Denver, Colorado.

But one of the greatest traditions of all is green beers like at Lodo’s Bar and Grill in Denver, Colorado.

And what's the best way to drink green beer? Through green straw glasses at Casey's Irish Pub in Los Angeles.

And what’s the best way to drink green beer? Through green straw glasses at Casey’s Irish Pub in Los Angeles.

Non-sensical green t-shirts are also popular, as seen at McFadden's in Glendale, Arizona.

Non-sensical green t-shirts are also popular, as seen at McFadden’s in Glendale, Arizona.

Too many Kiss Me I'm Irish drink specials at Teakwood's Tavern and Grill in Phoenix, Arizona could lead to an Irish threesome.

Too many Kiss Me I’m Irish drink specials at Teakwood’s Tavern and Grill in Phoenix, Arizona could lead to an Irish threesome.

Stereotypes aside, most Irish bars serve more than Guinness and offer a range of beers like the Market Pub House's selection in University City, Missouri, just outside of the St. Louis city limits.

Stereotypes aside, most Irish bars serve more than Guinness and offer a range of beers like the Market Pub House’s selection in University City, Missouri, just outside of the St. Louis city limits.

An Irish bar only becomes more authentic with gaelic typeface, like at The Dubliner irish Pub in Phoenix, Arizona.

An Irish bar only becomes more authentic with gaelic typeface, like at The Dubliner irish Pub in Phoenix, Arizona.

But on St. Patrick's Day, sometimes a Guinness is all you want, as this woman at Bender's Tavern in Denver, Colorado proves.

But on St. Patrick’s Day, sometimes a Guinness is all you want, as this woman at Bender’s Tavern in Denver, Colorado proves.

St. Patrick's Day in America isn't totally devoid of tradition. Young Irish step dancers show their pride on the streets of St. Louis, Missouri.

St. Patrick’s Day in America isn’t totally devoid of tradition. Young Irish step dancers show their pride on the streets of St. Louis, Missouri.

Some women at the parade in St. Louis, Missouri choose to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in a more contemporary way.

Some women at the parade in St. Louis, Missouri choose to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a more contemporary way.

And occasionally, an Irish bar will display a gross misunderstanding of Anglo-Irish relations, like at Dooley's Beef N Brew House in St. Louis, Missouri.

And occasionally, an Irish bar will display a gross misunderstanding of Anglo-Irish relations, like at Dooley’s Beef N Brew House in St. Louis, Missouri.