Burns Night in the United Kingdom

Burns Night, celebrated on January 25th each year, is a tribute to the life and poetry of the Scottish poet Robert Burns, who was born on this day in 1759. The tradition began a few years after his death in 1796 when his friends commemorated his career by holding a supper on what would have been his birthday.

History and Traditions:

• The Burns Supper: Central to Burns Night celebrations is the Burns Supper, which can range from an informal gathering of friends to a grand dinner full of pomp. Key components of the supper include:
  • Piping in the Guests: A bagpiper often greets guests as they arrive.
  • The Selkirk Grace: A short thanksgiving said before the meal, attributed to Burns.
  • Address to a Haggis: One of Burn's most famous poems is recited before cutting into the haggis, a traditional Scottish dish served with neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes).

What People Do:

• People gather for dinners that feature Scottish cuisine, particularly haggis.
• Recitations of Burns' poetry and singing of his songs are common.
• After the meal, speeches or toasts are made to honor the poet's legacy.
• Scottish music and dancing, such as ceilidhs (traditional Gaelic social gatherings), often round off the evening.

Burns Night is an occasion for Scots around the world to celebrate their national heritage and for literature enthusiasts to appreciate one of Scotland's most beloved literary figures.