‘Hallmark’ holidays fall short of tradition

March 17, 2009

By Ellie Seta
<eseta@hilite.org>

When the average student thinks of St. Patrick’s Day, more often than not, it is common for Leprechauns and gold chocolates to come to mind. But for sophomore Mac Shera, St. Patrick’s Day is about more than just these frivolous “traditions.” Shera, who is both Irish and Scottish, said the most important part of St. Patrick’s Day is to remember the meaning behind why the holiday is so important.

“People need to learn to appreciate all of the Irish immigrants and how they helped build our country,” Shera said.

Over the last few decades, more and more holidays are now considered
commercialized. In fact, the ever-popular title “Hallmark Holidays” has even been coined to describe these holidays. According to The History Channel Web site, history.com, the most iconic commercialized symbol of St. Patrick’s, the Leprechaun, first originated in 1959 from Walt Disney’s cartoon “Darby O’Gill & the Little People.” The icon stuck and is now considered to be one of the most recognizable images of St. Patrick’s Day and Ireland in general. This could perhaps be considered the first sign of commercialization of St. Patrick’s Day.

Shera said he sometimes is offended by the little that people know about St. Patrick’s Day and the lack of appreciation most people have for the holiday which is so near and dear to his heart.

“People seem to have no appreciation for the holiday and what it stands for,” Shera said. “Most people just want to make money off of it.”

Shera said he thinks that the people often misunderstand the meaning behind St. Patrick’s Day.

“(Most people) think it is just a day to get drunk and party,” Shera said.

Shera, who for the most part has avoided the “Hallmark” nature of St. Patrick’s Day, said he has been motivated to learn more about his family’s heritage. He said in order to learn more about his family’s Irish history, he talked to his grandparents, searched online and referenced multiple history textbooks. Shera said his family even created its own family heritage book containing most of its family history. Shera said he would also encourage others to do the same.

“It is also important to learn about others’ (family) history,” Shera said.

But overall Shera stresses the importance of the true meaning of St. Patrick’s Day. “It is important to know what your ancestors did and what they were like,” Shera said. “They are your family and you should want to know more about them.”

Updated by aflis · Filed Under Recent Updates 

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