Burns Night
Burns Night marks the anniversary of the poet Robert Burns’ birth and takes place on 25th January each year. Many Scot’s, like myself, mark the occasion by going to or hosting their own “Burns Supper”. A Burns Supper traditionally goes as follows - To start – Everyone gathers. The host begins by saying a few words, then everyone sits and the Selkirk Grace is said. The meal – Starter is served, followed by the haggis being brought in to the sound of bagpipes. The host then performs the famous Burns Night poem “Address to a Haggis”. Everyone toasts the haggis and the meal is served, followed by dessert. After the meal – The first Burns recital is performed, followed by the main tribute speech to Burns, the second Burns recital is then performed, and finally there’s a Toast to the Lassies, followed by a Reply, before the final Burns recital is performed. To end the night – The host gives a vote of thanks and everyone stands and sings Auld Lang Syne, crossing their arms and joining hands. During a Burns Supper, everyone enjoys a Burns Night meal (which includes haggis, parsnip and potato, rounded off with lots of whisky), some of Burns’ poems and songs are recited and tributes are made to the great Bard.
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