There are plenty of holidays that Americans just don't understand, holidays that at one point in time had a strong, inspirational meaning with depth and soul. There was a story behind them.

But today, hundreds of years later, no one can remember those meanings so instead they pass down vapid excuses of tradition so they can carry on a legacy.

Examples: Easter is a widely celebrated religious holiday that deals with the rise of Jesus Christ, so where do the bunnies mesh in? And Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican victory over their French oppressors, but all we know is it's time to bust out the sombreros and shots of tequila.

St. Patrick's Day is no different. It was created as a religious holiday to celebrate Irish heritage on the day of Saint Patrick's death. The first parade in 1762 was held in America to bring together the large amounts of Irish immigrants that were living here.

Funny thing is, these first parades involved protests from the Irish for being so mistreated as immigrants, as many foreigners were exploited at that time. They marched to show the strength in their numbers and prove they deserved more.

So naturally we pinch each other and plaster shamrocks on the walls to commemorate this uprising of the Irish immigrants.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to be a Negative Nancy who doesn't love another excuse to get drunk and party all night long. I'll celebrate just as hard as the next. But doesn't anyone care that we know nothing of what we're celebrating?

There are so many American holidays we celebrate and don't understand, from Labor Day to Valentine's Day all the way to Halloween. And somehow consuming mass amounts of alcohol is involved in almost every single one. I wonder if that makes us the alcoholics of the world?

Irish is the nation's second most frequently reported ancestry with over 36 million U.S. residents having Irish roots, more than eight times the population of Ireland itself, according to the U.S. Census Bureau as reported by History.com. So you'd think it would become something more in this country than just the appearance of green beer at every local bar.

St. Patrick's Day is meant to be a celebration of heritage and appreciation, to honor a people that once helped build our country. There are more than 100 different St. Patrick's Day parades celebrated across the country, so why not watch one? If you're going to revel in the glory of their beer and feasts, you might as well educate yourself on their celebrations.

For instance, did you know that leprechauns have nothing to do with St. Patrick's Day? It was a symbol created by Americans to associate with the holiday. So skip out on the Leprechaun movie marathon because it doesn't correlate.

And the shamrock was actually used as a symbol of Irish nationalism back when they were being oppressed by the English, so wearing them will show pride in the culture you're drinking for. Why not pin a few of those on?

Irish music was a way for the Irish to pass on the stories of generations past even after not being allowed to speak their own language, so music is definitely a good way to celebrate. It's okay if it's not super traditional Irish tunes, you can stick with Flogging Molly and get away with it.

As long as you understand why you're getting wasted off Guinness and Bailey's then St. Patrick's Day can resume its natural course. Add a couple symbols and traditions behind your alcoholism and it makes it OK.

Hey, it's the American way.