I do not think that is the case at all in America U.S. Why would there be a parade? Everyone would be in church. Why would people wear green? It is partially a thumbing your nose type of thing..part of we could not do it in Ireland (wear green) so we will do it here. Part of it is celebrating surviving the famine, although parades etc. existed before famine. It is a way to collect people who are scattered. It is way more than religious holiday in America U.S. It was not a holy day for us, although it is in Ireland and at least parts of Canada. It was not a particularly religious day..in fact, religion was toned down more than any other day of the year. Like I said, lent was cancelled for the day. Friday I think was even cancelled..you could eat meat if I recall if it fell on Friday..the only other Friday was day after Thanksgiving. There were not special masses etc. that I can remember. It was a weakening of religious fervor rather than strengthening. Again, it was U.S. America. We all know they did it differently in Ireland did not sing McNamara's Band. mg