If you have heard about the Scottish Poet, Robert Burns then you must be well aware of Burns Supper as well; however, if you don’t know about it then don’t worry, we are going to talk about it today. Burns Night or Burns Night Supper is the celebration of Scottish Poet, Robert Burns.
Burns Night is a perfect combination of haggis, whisky, and poetry with lots of fun and laughter. In order to talk more about this fun night, I am writing a complete article on it so that you can know more about it.
Table of Contents
What is Burns Night?
Basically, Burns Night is the Birth anniversary of Robert Burns which is celebrated on the 25th January of every year.
What is Burns Supper and How did it begin?
Burns Supper is an evening event where people celebrate the life and work of Robert Burns on the 25th of January every year.
The first Burns supper was held in July 1801by nine close friends of Burns on his fifth death anniversary. It took place at Burns Cottage in Alloway. The night started with a tasty meal (haggis, it is!), performances of Burns’ work, and a speech in honor of the great Bard (it is now known as immortal memory). The night was so successful and refreshing that they decided to hold it again.
What usually Happens At a Burns Supper?
So now you might be thinking that what actually happens at Burns Supper; therefore, in order to talk about it I am adding this small section here.
Usually, a burns supper includes haggis, neeps, and tatties along with drams of whisky. Moreover, Burns’ poems and songs are recited and tributes are paid to him.
In case you want to know about the right order of Burns Night then it goes something like this:
1- Start – At the start, everyone gathers then the host says few words, and then everyone sits and the Selkirk Grace is said.
2- Meal – Now the starter is served, haggis is piped in and then the host performs Address to a Haggis, then everyone toasts the haggis and after that main meal is served and at the end dessert is served.
3- After Meal – Right after the meal is finished, the first Burns recital is performed, the Immortal Memory (it is the main tribute speech to Burns) is paid, then second Burns recital is performed after that there is a Toast to the Lassies which is followed by a reply to the Toast to the Lassies just before the final Burns recital is performed.
4- To end the night – At the end, the host thanks everyone, and then everyone stands and sings Auld Lang Syne while crossing their arms and joining hands at the line “And there’s a hand, my trusty fere’.
Moreover, if you host your own Burns Supper then you may or may not follow the order. You may also add your own activities like quiz, play Scottish playlist, add a ceilidh, introduce treasure hunt, or any such activity.
Checkout: Learn how to wear a Tartan Kilt
Speech Tips by Alasdair Hutton
If you are planning on delivering a speech or recital at a Burns Supper then you should watch these tips from Alasdair Hutton of Guild of Burns Speakers.
How to Join Burns Supper?
If you want to join Burns supper then there are many restaurants across Scotland that host Burns suppers. You may also join Burns Supper near me clubs. Moreover, The Robert Burns World Federation lists more than 250 Burns clubs that are situation worldwide.
How to Dress at Burns Night?
The dressing is another important aspect of Burns Night that you need to consider. I would recommend you to wear the formal Scottish dress at the Burns night; no matter you are the host, performer, or guest. Kilt and Jacks has a good collection of outfits to wear on Burns Night. You can wear a tartan kilt representing your clan, Scottish Jackets, sporrans, flashes, and all the necessary accessories to give you a complete Scottish look.
Conclusion
This was the complete discussion on Burns Night and I am sure you must have got a clear idea about it and must be aware that how it is celebrated.
Don’t forget to share this with others who might be looking for the same. Keep visiting Kilt and Jack’s blog for more informative articles.
