Robert Burns (1759-1796), fondly known as Rabbie Burns, was a famous Scottish poet and bard.
Even if you haven’t heard of Burns, you do know his work! Most of us sing his “Auld Lang Syne” every New Year’s, many couples love his poem “A Red, Red Rose”, and his poem “To a Mouse” gave us the wonderful line, “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men / Gang aft a-gley [Go oft awry].”
In Scotland itself, Burns is viewed as one of the greatest Scots in history. To that end, the Scottish celebrate Burns Night every January 25th — his birthday — to honor him.
Burns Night (Burns supper) is a holiday filled with poetry, food, music, and dancing. A host for the evening gives toasts and recites a selection of Burns’ poems, with a particular highlight on the “Address to a Haggis”. To further honor Scottish dishes, this dinner usually consists of haggis, neeps (turnips), and tatties (potatoes). You can find further options for Burns Night foods here!
Mingled throughout the supper is traditional Scottish music, with bagpipes and fiddles, usually with dancing. There might even be a ceilidh (a full folk-dancing event)! Whether a big celebration or a small family affair, Burns Night is a joyous evening of Scottish verses and festivities.