Burns Night

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Official name	Burns Night
Also called
Observed by	Scottish people and others celebrating Scottish culture
Liturgical color
Type	Cultural; Scottish
Significance	Celebrating the life and poetry of Robert Burns
Celebrations	Recitation of Robert Burns' poetry, Scottish music, Scottish dance, haggis dinner
Observances
Begins

Burns Night is an annual celebration held on January 25th, commemorating the life and poetry of the Scottish poet Robert Burns. Born on January 25, 1759, Burns is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, and Burns Night is celebrated with various traditions that honor his memory and work.

Origins and Significance

Burns Night originated shortly after the death of Robert Burns in 1796. The first Burns supper was held in memoriam by his friends on the fifth anniversary of his death, July 21, 1801, at Burns Cottage in Alloway, Scotland. The date was later changed to January 25th to coincide with his birthday. The night is a celebration of Scottish culture, featuring traditional Scottish elements such as haggis, whisky, and recitations of Burns' poetry.

Traditional Celebrations

The centerpiece of Burns Night is the Burns supper. This event can be formal or informal, but it typically includes several customary practices:

• Piping in the Guests: A bagpiper generally greets guests as they arrive.
• The Selkirk Grace: A thanksgiving prayer attributed to Burns, traditionally recited before the meal.
• Address to a Haggis: One of Burns' most famous poems, recited as the haggis is brought to the table, often accompanied by a bagpiper.
• Toast to the Lassies and Reply to the Laddies: Originally humorous and now often a light-hearted commentary on the gender roles depicted in Burns' time and today.
• Immortal Memory: A speech in honor of Robert Burns, reflecting on his life and contributions to Scottish culture.

Food and Drink

A traditional Burns supper includes haggis, served with neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes). The meal is typically accompanied by a dram of Scotch whisky. Desserts may include cranachan or tipsy laird (trifle), traditional Scottish desserts.

Music and Dance

The evening often concludes with performances of Scottish music and dance. Guests may participate in Scottish country dance and sing along to Burns' songs or Scottish folk music.

Global Celebrations

While Burns Night originated in Scotland, it has since been embraced by various countries around the world, particularly those with significant Scottish expatriate communities, such as Canada, Australia, and the United States. Each celebration reflects local interpretations of Scottish traditions.

See Also

• Robert Burns
• Scottish culture
• Haggis
• Whisky