Burns Night

Burns Night is an observance taking place in Scotland on or around the 25th of January. On this day the life of the national poet Robert Burns and his contribution to the culture of Scots are celebrated, as his birthday was on January 25, 1759. People spend the evening in an entertaining manner, by throwing a special Burns Supper with dancing and singing on bagpipe music, poetry recitation, delectable traditional food and endless toasts.

Burns Suppers can be either formal or informal. Formal dinners are held by organisations or restaurants and follow a planned format, ending with dancing if there are ladies present. This event can be all-man, all-woman or for both genders. The Scottish flag, or the Saltire, is often displayed at such occasions.

Anyone can host an informal dinner at their house, by gathering friends and family.

Whichever feast we're talking about, guests should get involved in various entertaining activities, rather than assisting passively, to create a hearty and fun festivity.

If you're attending a formal Burns Supper, then you should expect haggis, Scotland's national dish, being brought on a large platter to bagpipe songs. You can play recorded music or have a piper do it live for you. The ceremonial meal begins when the haggis is sliced in two and the host pays tribute to Robert Burns by reading his rousing verses.

Next scene involves a Master of Ceremonies, also called a speaker or an entertainer, who will perform some of Burns' songs or will recite touching copies of his work, like “Address to a Haggis”, “Immortal Memory” or “Selkirk Grace”. As an alternative, the entertainer can give a witty monologue on aspects of the poet's life, emphasizing on his important life events, his nationalism or literary genius.

A toast that acclaims the role of women in society constitutes a humorous moment and is build up from selected passages from Burns' work. The evening may continue with more recital, while enjoying some tasty traditional dishes and drinks. Here we have to mention the famous cock-a-leekie soup, which is a chicken and leek soup, mashed neeps and tatties (mashed turnips and potatoes) and Scotch whisky.

And of course, what meal would be complete without dessert ? There is a choice of cranachan (toasted oatmeal with whipped cream, honey and raspberries), bannocks (oatcakes) and clootie dumplings (pudding made from breadcrumbs, dried fruit and suet in a linen cloth).

So? Put on your tartan-made kilt or skirt if you have Scottish origins and celebrate Burns Night in style no matter in what parts of the world you're living. To the lassies!