Burns Night

Tonight is Burns Night! The famous Scottish poet Robert (or “Rabbie”) Burns was born on January 25, 1759. Every year on the anniversary of his birth, people all across the world pay tribute to his legacy with a traditional Burns Night Supper.

Robert Burns rose from humble beginnings, wrote his first poem at the age of fifteen, and published his first book of verses, “Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect,” at the age of twenty-seven. He became instantly popular among the upper classes and was also celebrated as the poet of the common man. Perhaps one of his most famous contributions to modern-day culture is the song, “Auld Lang Syne”!

Some of the more colorful Burns Night traditions include: a bagpipe procession in honor of the haggis, men dressed in kilts, a designated whisky-bearer, recitations of Burns’ poetry, and a toast to the lassies.

Recite one of Rabbie’s verses, sing one of his songs, or try a bit of haggis to celebrate Scotland’s National Bard. Happy Burns Night!