Burns night is a celebration of the life and poetry of the Scottish poet Robert Burns. But when is it, how do you celebrate Burns Night and what should you eat and drink?
Robert Burns – also known as Rabbie Burns, or the National Bard – is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland. He’s perhaps best known for his poem (and song) Auld Lang Syne which is sung on New Year’s Eve or Hogmanay. Other poems he’s known for include A Red, Red Rose, A Man’s a Man for A’ That, To a Louse, To a Mouse, The Battle of Sherramuir and Tam o’ Shanter.
When is Burns Night?
Burns Night will be celebrated on Monday, January 25, 2021.
The celebration is marked on the same date every year, as it marks Rabbie Burns’ birthday.
The first supper was held in 1801, and initially, his friends had decided to hold the celebration on the date he died – July 21.
Then in 1802, the supper has held on January 29 – on what they thought was Robbie Burns’ birthday.
But by 1803, they had discovered he was actually born on January 25, and since then the suppers have been held on this date.
What is traditional Burns supper?
While we won’t be having huge Burns Night suppers this year thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, many may still celebrate in their homes.
The evenings are usually full of pomp and circumstance, with the haggis being posed in and the host performing an Address to the haggis.
But if you’re enjoying a more simple affair this year, you’re sure to enjoy the three main ingredients of a Burns supper – haggis, neeps and tatties, and whisky.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/ (abridged)
