Burns Night is held annually on January 25 in honour of Scottish bard Robert Burns, who died on this date in 1759. ‘The Ploughman Poet’, as he is otherwise known, is most famous for writing Auld Lang Syne sung by millions of people at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. But he also wrote A Red, Red Rose, Tam O’Shanter and Address To A Haggis, his humorous ode to the Scottish delicacy.
Burns Night has been a regular fixture in Scotland’s calendar since 1801 to remember the life and work of the folk artist.
Formal Burns suppers are now held every year at which people eat haggis, drink and give thanks.
This year, Burns Night falls on a Friday – and thousands of people up and down the UK are expected to attend events to mark the date.
There is not an official Burns Night greeting but people often say “Sláinte Mhath!” which translates to “Good Health!” and is pronounced “slanj’-uh va’”.
But if you want to say “Happy Burns Night” in Scottish Gaelic, then you can choose to say “Oidhche Bhlas Burns”.
This is not usually observed by people but might be a nice gesture appreciated by anyone you greet.
What happens at Burns Night suppers?
At Burns Suppers, people will traditionally say Selkirk Grace, a prayer usually attributed to Burns.
The thanksgiving address is usually said just before the meal starts and goes:
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.
O Thou who kindly dost provide For every creature’s want!
We bless Thee, God of Nature wide,
For all thy goodness lent.
And, if it please Thee, heavenly Guide,
May never worse be sent;
But, whether granted or denied,
Lord bless us with content.
After the prayer is said, the food will start to arrive with the first course usually being a Scottish soup.
This is then followed by the main course of haggis brought out while bagpipes are played.
Following the meal’s end, the Burns recital called the Immortal Memory is given.
After this is Toast to the Lassies – a humorous view on women delivered by a man followed by the ladies’s response in Reply to the Laddies.
Everyone finishes the evening giving thanks and singing a hearty Auld Lang Syne.