St. Patrick’s Day is every American’s favorite day to pretend they’re Irish, whether their ancestors came from the Emerald Isle or not. Although the shamrock merchandise, green beer, and “plastic Paddy” commercialism of “St. Paddy’s Day” can be festive, they have come to overshadow the original meaning of this feast day honoring Ireland’s patron saint.
In America, one of the best ways to celebrate this holiday is to watch a great classic movie featuring Irish American characters. Two films, in particular, seem appropriate for St. Patrick’s story of bringing religion to wayward pagans and driving out serpents, whether literal or spiritual.
