If you should happen to be out and about on the evening of January 25th and chance to see Scotsmen running around the countryside in full Scots regalia, fear not! It is just the annual Burns Night celebration! The great Scottish poet, Robert Burns, was born in Alloway, Scotland on January 25th in the year 1759. You might not be familiar with much of the man’s poetry, but surely you might, at one time or another, have heard the tune “Auld Lang Syne” sung at many a New Year’s Eve gathering?
The typical Burns Supper starts with the bag pipers piping in the processing dinner guests, then the host’s welcoming speech once the guests are properly settled, the saying of Grace (usually the Selkirk Grace), and then the piping in and the address to the haggis. Haggis is considered to be Scotland’s national dinner and is accompanied by scotch whiskey, it being the traditionally accepted accompanying drink. Haggis might be off putting to some, but as the Larousse Gastronomique puts it, “Although its description is not immediately appealing, haggis has an excellent nutty texture and delicious savory flavor.” I personally appreciate it with the traditional tatties, neeps and lots of gravy. If I can sneak in some cranberry sauce-all the better!
Whether you are partaking of a traditional Burns Night Supper or just a fan of the poet, be sure to think of Robert Burns on January 25th. You might even be able to use some of his love poetry on your sweetie for Valentine’s Day!
~See you at Burns Night~
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