25th of January all across this land and in foreign climes too there is a celebration to honour Scotland’s most beloved poet. A supper in which his life, his works and his contribution to Scottish literature is remembered.
The first Burns supper was held by his friends at the cottage on the anniversary of his death. Later more recognisable Burns suppers were celebrated by merchants and former friends on Burns’ birthday by members of a Burns Club. They made a slight error with the date but that was quickly rectified for subsequent suppers once the parish records had been checked.
The Order of the Proceedings
A Burns supper may seem very daunting in formality to a modern audience but most gatherings at times had certain practices and rules which were understood. Welcome speech, grace, toast and all.
Order of service
The guests arrive and then are treated to a welcome by the host.
The guests are then seated and the Selkirk Grace is said which was once recited by Burns at a dinner given by Lord Selkirk
‘Some hae meat and canna eat,
And some wad eat that want it,
But we hae meat and we can eat,
And sae the Lord be thankit.’
It is important to note that the Selkirk Grace predates Burns but signals the beginning of the feast.
A soup course usually comes first and following the land of the bard’s birth its usually traditional Scottish fare. Favourites include Cock a Leekie soup, Cullen skink and Scotch Broth
After the soup the guests stand for the Piper to pipe the haggis in with no lack of pomp and ritual.
Then the address ‘To the Haggis’ is recited, a poem by Burns in which the dish is viewed above all others, as the luxury it was in its time. The address is central and a piece of the theatre, the cutting open of the Haggis is done during the recitation. Once the poem is complete the Chieftain of the pudding race (haggis) is toasted with whisky and then is served with neeps and tatties (turnip and potato to you and me)
Dessert is optional but once the meal is done its time for more toasts. One toast to Burns himself, after a short speech about his life and to his immortal memory, a toast to the ladies or lasses followed by a companion speech and a toast to the men.
Auld Lang Syne
After that there is usually music. One of Burns own songs, one below. Then to round off the evening the guests sing Auld Lang Syne.
Ae Fond Kiss
Ae fond kiss, and then we sever;
Ae fareweel, alas, for ever!
Deep in heart-wrung tears I’ll pledge thee,
Warring sighs and groans I’ll wage thee!
Who shall say that Fortune grieves him
While the star of hope she leaves him?
Me, nae cheerfu‘ twinkle lights me,
Dark despair around benights me.
I’ll ne’er blame my partial fancy;
Naething could resist my Nancy;
For to see her was to love her,
Love but her, and love for ever.
Had we never loved sae kindly,
Had we never loved sae blindly,
Never met—or never parted,
We had ne’er been broken-hearted.
Fare thee weel, thou first and fairest!
Fare thee weel, thou best and dearest!
Thine be ilka joy and treasure,
Peace, enjoyment, love, and pleasure!
Ae fond kiss, and then we sever!
Ae fareweel, alas, for ever!
Deep in heart-wrung tears I’ll pledge thee,
Warring sighs and groans I’ll wage thee!
Robert Burns
Fact file – Robert Burns
- Born 25th January 1759 in Alloway, Ayrshire.
- Died July 21st 1796 in Dumfries.
- Known affectionately as Rabbie Burns.
- Robert burns is Scotland’s national poet and Bard of Ayrshire.
- He features on Scottish Banknotes.
- He was a tenant farmer before turning to Poetry.
- He was a farmer within the Romantic Movement.
- Robert Burns rewrote and collected Scottish folk songs many of which are sung today.
- He wrote both in English and Scots.
- His work provided inspiration for both prominent Liberals and Socialists.
- His last son was born on the day of his Funeral
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