January 25th is Burns Night, but who was Robert Burns and why do we celebrate?
Robert Burns is Scotland’s most famous poet and Burns night is a way to remember and celebrate his life. It is celebrated on January 25th as this was his birthday.
Robert Burns also known as Rabbie Burns and the Bard of Ayrshire wrote in the Scottish language. He wrote over 700 poems and songs and is widely regarded as the National poet of Scotland. In 2009 Robert Burns was chosen as the greatest Scot by the Scottish public in a vote run by the Scottish television channel STV.
Robert Burns was born on January 25th 1759 in the Scottish village of Alloway, he grew up on a farm. When his father died he was put in charge of the family’s farm. He began writing poetry while ploughing the fields. Burns only lived until the age of 37 and died on July 21 1796 from rheumatic fever.
The tradition of celebrating Robert Burns began a few years after his death in 1796. His friends commemorated his career on the date of his death each year.
Burns Night Supper was first celebrated on January 29th 1802 as this was originally thought to be Robert Burns birthday. The following year parish records were discovered to correct the date.
More than 200 years later the Burns Night Supper is still being celebrated and it has become a nationwide event.
Those who enjoy are Burns Night Supper are traditionally piped in by a bagpipe player, then The Selkirk Grace (a prayer attributed to Burns) is said before dinner. A traditional Burns Supper often starts with soup such as Scotch broth. Then haggis is served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes). The haggis is piped in by the diners and the ‘Address to a Haggis’ takes place. The guests toast the haggis and start the feast.
The meal is followed by the ‘Immortal Memory Toast’ in which a guest gives a speech in honour of Robert Burns. Then there is a ‘Toast to the Lassies’ which is a chance to thank the women cooking the meal. A male diner offers an amusing but complimentary take on the role of women in general life referring to women in the group with quotes from Burns’ work. The toast is followed by a reply from the women. The rest of the night is filled with guests performing works by Burns ending with Auld Lang Syne.
Whatever you are doing this Burns Night I hope you enjoy it!