How will you celebrate Burns Night?
25th January 2012
Tonight marks Burns Night – a celebration of the life and works of Robert Burns. Get set for a night of bagpipes, haggis and whiskey
Three undeniable draws of the UK to overseas travellers are our history, our pomp and our ceremony. Tonight is Burns Night – one of the most important dates in the Scottish calendar and a major attraction to tourists. Full of all things Scottish it's a night to celebrate world-famous poet Robert Burns.
First held in Aryshire, Scotland at the end of the 18th century by Robert Burns’ friends on the anniversary of his death (21 July), the date has subsequently been moved to his birthday – 25 January.
The evening follows a strict order – guests are serenaded with bagpipes before being welcomed by the host. A short prayer, The Selkirk Grace, is then read to introduce the meal. The main attraction of the evening – the haggis – is ushered in. Carried on a silver platter the feast is accompanied by tuneful bagpipes, the master chef and a person who will 'address' the haggis.
Address to a Haggis, written by Robert Burns in 1786, is read out over the food. The haggis is then eviscerated lengthways – which can be a messy job. Inspired by the passion of the speaker, the audience toasts the food by raising a glass of throat-tingling whiskey, shouting “The haggis!”. Served with the traditional accompaniments of neeps and tatties this makes for a very traditional Scottish feast.
After the meal, the entertainment begins with either the singing of, or recital of a Burns poem. The main speaker follows with a humorous speech on the life, literary genius, politics and most importantly the nationalism of Robert Burns. And of course, the speaker finishes with another toast.
If you're still standing, the evening's festivities conclude with a recital of the Toast to the Lassies and the Reply to the Toast of the Lassies. Finally, the evening finishes with a rendition of Auld Lang Syne.
So what will you be doing to celebrate Burns Nights – a version of the events above? Or do you have a more modern take on the traditions?
Whether it’s tucking into the full haggis, neeps and tatties or lifting a glass of Scotland’s most famous export, whiskey; let us know what you get up to. And from us at Wanderlust: “But, if ye wish her gratefu' prayer Gie her a haggis!”
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