Burns and Burns Night: A Guide for Beginners

Who Was Robert Burns?
Robert Burns (1759–1796) is widely regarded as Scotland’s national poet and is a key figure in Scottish culture. Born into a farming family in Ayrshire, Scotland, he grew up in humble surroundings and faced many hardships, but his sharp mind and love for reading helped him rise above these struggles. Burns had a knack for capturing the beauty of everyday life and exploring universal themes like love, friendship, and equality in his works.

Some of his most famous poems and songs include Auld Lang Syne, sung worldwide on New Year’s Eve, and To a Mouse, which reflects on how humans and animals share the unpredictability of life. Burns often wrote in the Scots dialect, which gives his work a unique, musical quality. Though he passed away at just 37, his words have stood the test of time and continue to inspire people today.

He also had a rebellious streak. Burns wasn’t afraid to speak out against injustice and social inequality, which makes his poetry as relevant now as it was in the 18th century. Despite his fame, he remained down-to-earth and connected to the common people—a big reason why so many Scots adore him to this day.

What Is Burns Night?

Burns Night is a yearly celebration held on January 25th to honour the life and works of Robert Burns. It’s like a national party in Scotland, but people celebrate it far beyond its borders as well. Burns Night is a chance to eat, drink, and be merry while enjoying poetry, music, and a touch of Scottish tradition.

What Happens on Burns Night?

At the heart of Burns Night is the Burns Supper, a traditional meal that follows a well-established order. Even if you’re not familiar with Scottish culture, you’ll feel right at home as the evening unfolds in a warm and festive atmosphere. Here’s what usually happens:

1. Welcoming Guests:
The evening kicks off with the host welcoming everyone. A prayer or grace is often said before the meal, with The Selkirk Grace being the traditional choice. Written by Burns, it’s short but meaningful:

Some hae meat and canna eat,
And some wad eat that want it;
But we hae meat, and we can eat,
And sae the Lord be thankit.

Translation:

Some people have food but cannot eat it,
And some people want to eat but don’t have any food;
But we have food and can eat it,
So let us thank the Lord.

2. The Haggis Ceremony:
The highlight of the meal is the haggis, Scotland’s famous dish made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs mixed with oatmeal, onions, and spices. It might sound strange to some, but it’s a true taste of Scottish heritage.

The haggis is brought to the table with great fanfare, often to the sound of bagpipes, and then the host recites Burns’ poem Address to a Haggis. This is done with a lot of drama, and the haggis is ceremoniously sliced open with a knife as part of the performance.

3. The Meal:
The haggis is served alongside “neeps and tatties” (mashed turnips and potatoes). Whisky often flows freely, adding to the lively atmosphere.

4. Toasts and Speeches:
After the meal, the guests enjoy a series of toasts and readings. These usually include:

The Immortal Memory: A speech that reflects on Burns’ life, achievements, and influence.
The Toast to the Lassies: A lighthearted and often humorous speech about women, delivered by a man.
The Reply to the Toast to the Lassies: A witty response from a woman, poking fun at men in return.

5. Poetry, Music, and Dancing:
Guests read or recite Burns’ poetry and enjoy traditional Scottish music. If there’s enough space, the night might end with a ceilidh—a form of Scottish group dancing that’s full of energy and fun.

6. Closing with Auld Lang Syne:
Everyone joins hands and sings Auld Lang Syne to wrap up the evening.

How Can You Participate?

If you’re not in Scotland, don’t worry—Burns Night is celebrated all over the world! Here’s how you can take part:

1. Find a Local Event:
Many Scottish societies or cultural organizations host Burns Night events, even in places far from Scotland. Check online or ask around to see if there’s one near you.

2. Host Your Own Burns Supper:
You can organize your own Burns Night at home with friends and family. You don’t need bagpipes or kilts to join the fun—just follow the structure of a traditional Burns Supper. Look up Burns’ poems online, play some Scottish music, and serve haggis, or try vegetarian haggis if that’s more your style.

3. Try Scottish Food and Drink:
Even if you’re just curious, you can buy Scottish products like whisky, shortbread, or even a tin of haggis to try. Pair it with a bit of Burns’ poetry, and you’ve got the spirit of Burns Night right in your living room.

4. Learn About Burns’ Work:
Use the evening as a chance to discover Robert Burns’ poetry and songs. If you’re an English learner, his works are great for exploring dialects and poetic rhythm.

What did Gavin’s dad tell him about haggis?

When Gavin was a young boy in a London primary school, his teacher knew about his Scottish heritage and asked him to make a presentation about Burns night to the rest of the class. The night before, just for a laugh, Gavin’s dad had told him that a haggis was a four-legged creature with two legs shorter than the other two so that it could run around the Scottish mountains easily. Thinking that his dad had told him the truth, Gavin then relayed this false information to the rest of his class in his presentation. It wasn’t until years later that Gavin realised his dad had lied to him.

LISTEN TO GAVIN’S FAVOURITE BURNS SONG

This is a list of key vocabulary and expressions from the article in order of how useful they are. The student must choose 6 items from the list to study in the lesson.

To pass away

To take part (in something)

To be widely regarded (as something)

A figure

Humble

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