SPD in Ireland. The commercial interests (liquor, tourism operators, etc) have taken control of what used to be a religious holiday. Its a phenomenon that occurred later in Ireland itself than in USA and elsewhere, due to Ireland's late entry into the fully secular 'modernised', globalised Western way of life. But like the Japanese and other 'westernised nations, we still are able to mentally stand back from the frenetic commercialism and observe with 'a cold eye', even as we participate. Once we lose this ability to evaluate it and start to fully believe the 'Madison Avenue speak' that serves for much of today's 'news' and information, we can all move to California where the climate they tell me, is much better.