You may hear everyone talking about ‘Burns Night’ right now, but what is it all about? Here’s everything you need to know about this annual Scottish celebration.
What is Burns Night and when is it?
Burns Night, also known as ‘Burns Supper’, is a celebration of the life of one of Scotland's most famous poets, Robert Burns. Every year on 25 January, the birth of Burns, Scots (and people around the world) come together to celebrate Robert’s life and poetry with a ‘Burns supper’, a night of readings, dancing, piped music and feasting with some of these delicious burns night recipes, and with the iconic haggis as the centrepiece of the menu.
Who was Robert Burns?
RobertBurns was born in Ayrshire on 25 January 1759. He wrote poems and songs about his time growing up on a farm, love and friendship. Inspired by the French Revolution, he also wrote about how the rich and poor should be equal. A Burns supper was held in memory of Burns by his friends at his first cottage in Ayrshire on the fifth anniversary of his death, 21 July 1801. The same year the 'Burns Club' was founded by some merchants who had also been born in Ayrshire and some of whom had known Burns. They held the first Burns supper on 29 January 1802, the date they believed to be his birthday. However, the following year, they discovered Burns' birthday was in fact three years earlier on the 25 January. Ever since, Burns suppers have been held either on, or near this date.
Some of Burns’ most famous pieces of work include ‘Auld Lang Syne’, which people all over the world sing on New Year as it reflects on old times; ‘A Fond Kiss’ (his most recorded love song), ‘To a Mouse’, ‘Address to a Haggis’ and ‘A Red, Red Rose’.
Is Burns night a bank holiday in Scotland?
Although Burns night is arguably more widely celebrated than St Andrews Day (Scotland’s national day), it is not a bank holiday in Scotland.
5 things you didn’t know about Robert Burns
After Queen Victoria and Christopher Columbus, Burns has more statues dedicated to him around the world than any other non-religious figure.
Burns may be considered a poet by many, but he actually wrote and collected double the amount of songs than poems.
Burns’ 'Auld Lang Syne' is in the Guinness Book of World Records as one of the top three songs in the entire English language.
John Steinbeck’s 1937 novel, ‘Of Mice and Men’, is named after a line in Burns’ poem, ‘To a Mouse’.
Burns’ work has appeared in numerous films and TV programmes, including 'It’s a Wonderful Life' (1946), 'When Harry Met Sally' (1989) and 'Forrest Gump' (1994).
How do you address a haggis?
One of the traditions of Burns night, is the address to the haggis. It is a key part of all Burns dinners. A dram of whiskey is handed to all guests and then a piper leads a procession of the haggis, which is carried on a platter by the chef. The chef and the piper circle the room with the haggis, while guest clap along to the music. The haggis is then presented to the Addresser, who recites, 'Address to the Haggis.' Following the recital, the Addresser hands a glass of whiskey to the chef and piper and the whole party toast the haggis. The haggis is then either passed around the table for guests to help themselves, alternatively, the chef will take it away to plate up in the kitchen.
What is a traditional Burns Night dinner?
To celebrate Burns night it is best to whip up a traditional Scottish menu including a smoked fish soup to start, also known as Cullen Skink, then of course haggis, neeps and tatties for a main meal. If you have vegetarian guests attending your celebrations, you can even make (or buy!) vegetarian haggis, which replaces the lamb or beef with pulses, seeds and vegetables.
What dessert do you eat on Burns Night?
To finish off any Burns night meal you can't forget dessert. There are a couple of traditional Scottish options to choose from. Cranachan is a classic Scottish dessert which combines layers of whipped cream, toasted oats, raspberries and honey with whiskey. Alternatively, a Clooties dumpling is another favourite. It is a steamed Scottish pudding made with dried fruit and spices and is perfectly paired with whiskey, custard, or ice cream.
What is the traditional drink for Burns night?
It's not a surprise that whiskey is a popular choice for Burns night. The Bobby Burns is the perfect drink to capture the essence of the celebrations. Made with equal parts Scotch and vermouth, plus a half measure of Bénédictine, you mix all three ingredients together with ice and pour into a chilled glass, ideally a martini glass if you have one to hand.
What do you toast on Burns Night?
The Burns night meal is traditionally followed by speeches and entertainment which include a toast to the Monarch, also known as the Loyal Toast. There is then a second toast, which is the main toast, to the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns.
Bryony Firth-Bernard graduated from the University of Gloucestershire with a first in Journalism and went on to work as a reporter at Heart Radio West before becoming the lifestyle intern across Good Housekeeping, Prima and Red magazine. She then worked as a digital writer for Mother&Baby and Yours.co.uk before moving on to work for a fitness brand. Her hobbies include hitting the weights in the gym and going to pole fitness (where she gets countless bruises). On the weekend she loves whipping up new recipes in the kitchen and spending time with her friends and family.