Join the Festivities on January 25th!
Every January 25th, people around the world celebrate Burns Night in honor of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. This special occasion is marked by a traditional Burns Supper, where friends and family gather to enjoy good food, poetry, and lively conversation. While the main event is on January 25th, you can also celebrate on July 21st, the anniversary of Burns’ death, or any time during the year.
Who Was Robert Burns?
Robert Burns lived from 1759 to 1796. He is celebrated for his contributions to Scottish literature, writing in both Scots and English. Some of his most famous works include:
- “Auld Lang Syne”: A song sung worldwide on New Year’s Eve.
- “A Red, Red Rose”: A beautiful love poem.
- “Tam o’ Shanter”: A narrative poem filled with humor and adventure.
Burns’ poetry captures the spirit of Scotland and its people, making him a beloved figure in Scottish culture.
The Structure of a Burns Supper
A traditional Burns Supper follows a specific format. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Gathering of Guests
Guests arrive and mingle informally, setting a warm and friendly atmosphere.
2. Welcoming Speech
The host gives a welcoming speech to open the event. This is followed by a special grace, originally written by Burns:
“Some hae meat and canna eat, And some wad eat that want it; But we hae meat, and we can eat, Sae let the Lord be thankit.”
3. Soup Course
The first course typically includes a hearty soup, such as:
- Scotch broth
- Potato soup
- Cock-a-Leekie (a chicken and leek soup)
4. The Main Course: Haggis
The highlight of the meal is haggis, which is brought in with the sound of bagpipes. The host or a guest recites Burns’ poem “Address to a Haggis.” Here’s a snippet:
“Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face, Great chieftain o’ the puddin-race!”
What is Haggis?
Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with onion, oatmeal, suet, and spices. It is simmered in the sheep’s stomach for several hours. While it may sound unusual, many people find it delicious!
5. Toasting the Haggis
After the poem, the haggis is toasted, and everyone sits down to enjoy the meal. Alongside haggis, you’ll typically find:
- Tatties: Mashed potatoes
- Neeps: Mashed rutabagas
6. Speeches and Toasts
After the meal, guests give speeches and toasts. The order usually goes like this:
- Toast to the Queen
- Remembrance of Burns’ life and poetry
- Toast to Burns
- Toast to the Lassies (women)
- Reply to the Lassies (Toast to the Laddies)
7. Singing and Entertainment
Guests often sing Burns’ songs or enjoy performances by hired singers. This adds to the festive atmosphere of the evening.
8. Closing the Evening
To conclude the supper, the host invites guests to give a vote of thanks. Everyone joins hands and sings “Auld Lang Syne,” a fitting end to a night of celebration.
Explore More About Burns Night
If you want to dive deeper into Robert Burns’ works, you can find many of his poems and songs online. Here are some resources to check out:
- Read Burns’ Poems: Explore his famous works available under “Poems and Songs.”
- Learn Scots Words: Some Scots words are hyperlinked to translations in various languages, making it easier to understand.
- Discover Tartan Patterns: Find your family tartan or design your own unique pattern.
- Fun Activities: Look for recipes, coloring pages, and puzzles related to Burns Night.
Conclusion
Burns Night is a wonderful way to celebrate Scottish culture and the legacy of Robert Burns. Whether you’re hosting a supper or attending one, the evening is filled with joy, laughter, and heartfelt tributes to a great poet. So gather your friends, prepare some haggis, and raise a glass to Robert Burns!