Today marks the birth date of the celebrated Scottish poet Robert Burns. Every year on the 25th January, more commonly known as Burns Night, a supper is held to celebrate the poet’s birthday and honour his memory. A Traditional burns supper has a set menu and a running order that may vary from supper to supper.
Who is Robert Burns?
Robert Burns was born on the 25th January 1759, in Ayrshire, Scotland. He is a poet and lyricist, widely regarded as Scotland’s national poet. Some of Burn’s most famous works include the New Year celebration song “Auld Lang Syne.” He’s also credited with the line “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry,” a line from his piece “To a Mouse.”
Robert Burns died on 25th July 1796. He was 37. However, despite his incredibly young age at his death, his contribution to Scottish literature left a legacy etched into the country’s culture. His poems are still read widely, and every year, on his birthday, millions worldwide gather to celebrate his life at Burns’ suppers. They eat traditional Scottish food and sing the songs of Robert Burns.
History of Burns Supper
Burns Cottage, the first home of the poet, held the first supper. It was held in Ayrshire by 9 of Robert Burns’ closest friends in his memory five years after his death. However, it first occurred on 25th July, the date of his death. They dined on haggis and watched performances of Burn’s work. And a speech honoured their friend, an address which is now called the Immortal Memory. They enjoyed their commemorative dinner so much it has been held every year since.
The first supper held on Burn’s birthday was actually on the 29th January by members of the Burns Club, which is still active today. It wasn’t until a year later that they realised their mistake and held their supper on the correct birth date of 25th January, the day modern Scots honour the late bard.
A Typical Burns Supper
The Welcome
The supper begins with the assembly of the guests. At some formal events, guests may be greeted by the playing of bagpipes. At less formal events, traditional music greets guests.
The host welcomes everyone to the supper with a few opening words. Then, once the guests have taken their seats, the Selkirk Grace is said before the meal is served.
The Meal
Most formal dinners start with a soup course, and a burns supper features a traditional Scottish soup such as a delicious but simple cock-a-leekie, Cullen skink or scotch broth.
Once the soup course has finished, the chef or cook carries in the haggis while a bagpiper accompanies it to the host’s table. Then, once the haggis has been served, the host delivers Robert Burns’ poem, “Address to a Haggis.” Everyone raises a toast to the haggis, and the meal, usually accompanied by Neeps & Tatties, begins.
Dessert follows the main. While there isn’t a set dessert, it’s often a traditional Scottish pudding or sweet treat. The quintessential Scottish dessert made with raspberries and whisky called Cranachan is usually deconstructed so guests can build their own. Scottish oatcakes may also be served with cheese and butter as a savoury course. Scottish whisky usually sees in the end of the meal.
After the Meal
Immortal memory follows the meal. It’s a tribute to Robert Burns by reciting some of his works. There’s no set poem to deliver, and it can vary in seriousness and tone depending on the host and the guests in attendance. A toast to Robert Burns and his immortal Memory follows these recitals.
Burns night sees thanks to the ladies, which in more modern times addresses the women in attendance, where it was once used to thank the ladies who had cooked the meal. This is called the address to the lassies. Sometimes, the address to the laddies follows. This isn’t a traditional part of a burn’s supper celebration, but it gives the women a chance to respond to the host’s address.
The speeches are followed by more recitals by Robert Burns. The length of this depends on the host and their guests, which means it could be one recital or several. Following these recitals, the host will give a vote of thanks.
This is where Burns Night ends with guests standing up to sing “Auld Lang Syne.” They will cross their arms and join their hands as they recite the line, “And there’s a hand, my trusty fere.”
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