Burns Supper: The Poetry of the Scots

Burns supper or Burns Night is a Scotland celebration usually held on or close to Robert Burns’ birthday January 25. Burns is best known for his poem version of Auld Lang Syne. This practice was started by the poet’s friends to commemorate his death. Nowadays, it is being celebrated by the admirers of his work or those who merely followed on their parents’ traditions.

During such nights, there is a formal or informal gathering with food and drinks such as haggis and whisky. The formal versions of this gathering exhibit a more structured way of commemorating the author’s works.

Burns in the Stomach

It usually starts with the host’s welcoming remarks and declaration of the opening of the event. This is soon followed by the saying of grace with all the guests in their respective places at the table. The supper is well on its way, with the soup for appetizer and the main course following soon after.

The act of serving the main course of the Burns supper is a unique experience all in itself. The haggis, a traditional Scotland dish made of various sheep organs (heart, liver, lungs) among other interesting ingredients, is placed on a large platter. It is ceremoniously served by the cook while music from bagpipes is played on the background. As soon as the haggis is laid down on the table, a recitation of some sort takes place. The execution of this tradition varies, with some being more dramatic than others. In most cases, this usually serves as the highlight of the evening.

After the guests have gone through the main course and desserts, which are usually all traditional Scotland dishes, they proceed to make speeches and toasts.

Burns in the Liquor

There are several toasts that take place all throughout the evening. The first, being the one that follows right after the haggis is served. Next would be the toasts during coffee, and after dessert has been served and eaten when speeches are made. This would soon be followed by a series of toasts which includes the loyal toast (loyalty to monarch or monarchy); toast to the immortal memory of Burns (done after a speech); an appreciation toast; and so on and so forth.

The night progresses with one toast after the other, the practice being that a toast is made after a significant speech is made. The topics of conversation vary for as long as the guests say entertaining things to one another. It is a practice for the guests to make comments about the opposite sex, wherein the men usually make witty remarks towards the ladies and the latter reciprocate. This fond exchange of words is done for the amusement of the guests where each remark is usually accompanied with a toast right after.

By the time dancing starts, the guests have had quite a number of toasts. This however is only done in selected gatherings and is not a requirement in the celebration of the Burns supper. Finally, the night is ended with the singing of Auld Lang Syne where guests hold each other’s hands and give thanks to the night’s Burns supper.