Celebrating Burns Night in Scotland is a tradition dating back over 200 years. It takes place every year on the 25th of January to mark the birthday of poet Robert Burns and it’s the time to enjoy Scottish food, whisky, poetry and Scottish music!
Who was Robert Burns?
Robert Burns (also know as Rabbie Burns) was born in Alloway, two miles from Ayrshire.
At a young age he began to write, and by the time he was 27 he had become famous across the country having published poems such as ‘To a Louse’, ‘To a Mouse’ and ‘The Cotters Saturday Night.
Robert travelled across Scotland, involving himself in matters and relationships that would inspire his poems, such as ‘Ae Fond Kiss’ and ‘Auld Lang Syne’.
Robert Burns died at the age of 37 in 1796 after creating hundreds of works, of which The BBC have recordings of 716!
What poetry did Robert Burns write?
Robert Burns will be remembered for such poems as:
‘Scots wha hae’
‘Tam o Shanter’
‘A red, red rose’
‘Auld Lang Syne’ is probably the most famous, sung around the globe on Hogmanay to welcome in the new year.
What is a Burns Supper?
After Robert Burns died, his friends gathered to commemorate his life and career on the date of his death, July 21st. The celebration has since shifted to January to mark his birthday.
This was the start of the famous burns supper which has been a tradition now for more than 200 years. Burns Night is considered one of Scotland’s biggest events of the year.
Celebrating Burns Night with a Burns Supper
This year, why not celebrate Burns Night at home with friends or family? Here is the recipe to the perfect Burns Night celebration.
Begin with playing some nice bagpipe music in the background.
You would then address the haggis at the table. This involves the host reciting the Robert Burns poem ‘Address the Haggis’.
At the end of the poem you sit down to a meal of haggis, neeps and tatties. A traditional Scottish dessert like Cranachan may complete your meal, or you can follow up with a whisky!
Historically the men recite the poem ‘Toast to the Lassies’ giving thanks to the women who made the meal. This is then retaliated with a poem ‘To the Laddies’.
At the end of the evening everyone gathers to sing ‘Auld Lang Syne’.
Watch RGU staff celebrate Burns Night by performing ‘Address to the Haggis’ on our Facebook page.
One response to “Celebrating Burns Night at Home”
[…] Food is another way in which you can celebrate the day. Why not swap your usual evening meal for one with a Scottish twist? This could be the perfect time to try the traditional Cullen Skink, a creamy soup made from smoked haddock, potatoes and onions, followed by haggis, neeps and tatties. […]