Burns Supper is celebrated annually on January 25 to honor Scotland’s beloved poet, Robert Burns. His remarkable contributions to poetry have influenced countless writers in Scotland and around the world. Today, Burns Supper is a joyful occasion filled with festivities. Key highlights of this event include preparing haggis, a traditional Scottish delicacy, sharing Burns’ poems, and uniting people from various walks of life.
The History of Burns Supper
This celebration pays tribute to Robert Burns (1759-1796), an influential Scottish poet known for his heartfelt verses and songs. His work, which often reflects his Scottish heritage and tackles societal themes, earned him considerable acclaim during his lifetime. Following his death, nine of his friends gathered in 1801 to devise a way to commemorate him, leading to the inaugural Burns Supper that July. Over the years, this tradition has thrived, and on January 25, Burns’ birthday, festivities abound, showcasing Scotland’s vibrant cultural heritage to the world.
Burns Supper can vary from intimate family gatherings to large community events. The celebration includes planning the menu, enjoying the meal, and donning traditional attire. Expect to see haggis, alongside side dishes like neeps and tatties, Scottish music, scotch, and recitations of Burns’ poetry, including his well-known tribute to haggis.
What to Wear
If you’re hosting a Burns Supper at home, feel free to wear whatever you like, but wearing tartan is highly encouraged! Whether you choose a tartan hat, a tie, or a full kilt outfit is entirely up to you.
Is Burns Supper a Public Holiday?
Not quite! Burns Supper isn’t a public holiday, so businesses and government offices will operate as usual on January 25.
Wishing Someone a Happy Burns Night
In Scotland, you can greet others with ‘Sláinte Mhath!’ which means ‘Good Health!’ It’s pronounced ‘slanj’-uh va.’ Alternatively, you can say ‘Oidhche Bhlas Burns,’ which translates to ‘Happy Burns Night.’
Activities During Burns Supper
Prepare a feast: The Burns Supper is a feast for the senses, filled with vibrant colors and sounds. To honor this day, serve a hearty meal featuring haggis, neeps, and tatties, and enjoy it with a glass of whisky.
Recite Burns’ poems: No Burns Supper is complete without sharing his poetry. “Auld Lang Syne” is often recited to the assembled guests before the meal begins.
Read “Address to a Haggis”: A key tradition is reciting Burns’ verses dedicated to haggis. Guests eagerly await the moment when the host shares Rabbie Burns’ eloquent words, making the occasion memorable.
Five Essential Facts About Burns Supper
- Scotland Celebrates Burns Supper: Known as Burns Night, it’s a cherished annual tradition.
- Poems are Recited: It’s customary to recite “Address to a Haggis” before the meal starts.
- Kilts are Worn: Scottish men often don knee-length skirts, a traditional attire for the occasion.
- “Auld Lang Syne”: This globally recognized New Year’s song was penned by Burns himself.
- The Burns Day Storm: An intense windstorm swept through Northwest Europe from January 25 to 27, 1990, and was named the Burns Day Storm.
Why We Love Burns Supper
- A National Day in Scotland: Burns Supper is often regarded as Scotland’s ‘other national day’ alongside St. Augustine Day in November, with a legacy that spans over two centuries.
- Celebrating a National Hero: Despite living only 37 years, Burns is revered as a national treasure, and the supper is a way to honor his legacy.
- Showcasing Scotland’s Culture: Since the inception of Burns Supper over 200 years ago, it has blossomed into a global celebration, spreading Scottish culture far and wide.
Upcoming Burns Supper Dates:
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Year of Event | Day | Day of the week | Take place |
Burns Supper 2023 | Day 25 Month 1 Year 2023 | Wednesday | Còn 0 days left |
Burns Supper 2024 | Day 25 Month 1 Year 2024 | Thursday | Còn 0 days left |
Burns Supper 2025 | Day 25 Month 1 Year 2025 | Saturday | Còn 52 days left |
Burns Supper 2026 | Day 25 Month 1 Year 2026 | Sunday | Còn 417 days left |
Burns Supper 2027 | Day 25 Month 1 Year 2027 | Monday | Còn 782 days left |
Burns Supper 2028 | Day 25 Month 1 Year 2028 | Tuesday | Còn 1147 days left |
Burns Supper 2029 | Day 25 Month 1 Year 2029 | Thursday | Còn 1513 days left |
Burns Supper 2030 | Day 25 Month 1 Year 2030 | Friday | Còn 1878 days left |