Burns night - What is it?

What is Burns Night?

Burns Night is celebrated every year on January 25, which this year falls on a Monday. Burns night is mostly celebrated in Scotland, but is also celebrated across parts of the United Kingdom, as well as other places around the world. Burns Night is a Scottish tradition which marks the life of Scottish bard (poet) Robert Burns. His most well-known and popular poem is ‘Auld Lang Syne’, which is traditionally sung at midnight during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

One of the most important things about Burns Night is the food that is eaten during the celebration. There will be lots of traditional Scottish dishes cooked. The most important part of the meal is usually the haggis, a traditional type of sausage consisting of minced meat, mixed with oatmeal, animal fat, and seasoning, and boiled in a bag. The bag is traditionally made from the animal’s stomach.

Other dishes which are served include neeps and tatties, which are mashed turnips, swedes and potatoes, and the meal is often served with Scotch whiskey. Burns Night celebrations will also include a lot of laughter and fun, with the sound of bagpipes playing in the background. Bagpipes are a musical instrument with reed pipes, and they are considered Scotland’s national instrument.

Burns Night started shortly after the poet’s death in 1796. His friends in Ayrshire, Scotland wanted to celebrate his life and poetry, and the first Burns supper was held on the anniversary of his death on July 21^st 1801.  However, Burns Night was moved to the day of Robert Burns’ birthday, and Burns Night has been celebrated ever since.

Happy Burns Night to All our Scottish teachers and friends who will be celebrating today ;-)