Burns' Night

On 25 January millions of people celebrate Burns' Night, not just the across the length and breadth of Scotland, but across every continent of the world.

It's a night of celebration that marks the anniversary of the birth of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns, born on 25 January 1759 in Alloway, Ayrshire.

But, you may well ask, why do so many people in so many countries still choose to celebrate the life and work of a poet long dead?

You only have to think of New Year's Eve celebrations to find part of the answer.

Burns' famous song of friendship, Auld Lang Syne, rounds off New Year festivities the world over because it's a song that captures a universal truth – the past is gone forever but should never be forgotten. His words force us to acknowledge days gone by, as we link hands in the present and drink a toast together for friendship.

It's a typical Scottish outlook, making the harsh realities of life more palatable through the presence of good friends and a good drink!

In other words, Burns' poems and songs demand that we remember and celebrate our common humanity, a sentiment as relevant today as it’s ever been.

The continued relevance of Burns' poetry was demonstrated at the 2004 inaugural Robert Burns Memorial Lecture in New York when UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, chose the line "A Man's a Man for a' that" as the basis of an eloquent plea for tolerance in the face of persistent and corrosive prejudice.

"Burns' poems dignify and illuminate the struggle faced by the vast majority of the world's population today. Let us dream, as he did, of a true brotherhood – and sisterhood – that embraces and encompasses all humankind, and allows all people a chance to enjoy their inalienable rights, dignity and freedom."
Kofi Annan, January 2004

Of course, the other reason Scots celebrate Burns' Night is because they don't like to miss the opportunity for a good party!

Above all, Burns' Night is a chance to get together and make merry, to enjoy good company, good food and the pleasure of the spoken word. Take a look at some of Burns' poetry.

If you've never been to a Burns' Night celebration or Burns' Supper, you may well be wondering what takes place. Here's a typical itinerary:

• The evening starts with a few welcoming words from the Chairperson
• The meal commences with the Selkirk Grace

"Some hae (have) meat and cannot eat
Some cannot eat that want it:
But we hae meat and we can eat,
Sae let the Lord be thankit"

• Everyone stands to receive the haggis
• A piper leads in the chef who carries the haggis to the top table
• The guests accompany them with a slow hand clap
• The Chairperson or another invited guest then recites Burns' famous poem "Address to a Haggis"
• When you reach the line "an cut you up wi’ ready slight", the haggis is sliced open
• Everyone toasts the haggis with a glass of whisky and the meal is then served
• Another invited guest gives a short speech about Burns and his continuing relevance
• Then there's a light hearted toast to the women (or lasses)
• And the lasses return the favour with a light hearted toast to the men
• The evening continues with songs and poems
• And closes with everyone linking hands to sing Auld Lang Syne

More information

• Watch Burns performer, Chris Tait, recite 'Address to a Haggis
• Read an interview with Chris Tait
• Or for more information on Burns read 'As ithers hear us' at www.friendsofscotland.gov.uk.

Have a great Burns Night, wherever you are!