Happy St. Patrick's Day!

So, why is drinking associated with St. Patricks's Day? That was my question when I woke up this morning and a google search of st. patrick gave me this.

1. St. Patrick was born in Britain near the end of century.
2. He was taken prisoner by Irish Raiders.
3. He escaped after 6 years when he had his first vision.
4. 2nd vision told him to go back to Ireland as a missionary
5. He died March 17 around 460 AD.
6. He did NOT banish all the snakes from Ireland.
7. St. Patrick is Ireland's patron saint.
8. Since the day falls on Lenten season, prohibition of consumption of meat was waived for this day.
9. The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place in New York City on 1762.
10. Up until 1970's, Irish laws mandated that pubs be closed on that day.

There. Did that answer my question? Who cares, I now know a little bit more about St. Patrick's Day.