Burns supper facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Burns Night
The traditional meal of haggis, neeps and tatties at Dundee Burns Club's 160th annual Burns supper, on 25 January 2020
Observed by	Scotland; Scots people
Date	25 January (traditional)
Frequency	Annual

A Burns supper is a special meal that celebrates the life and amazing poems of Robert Burns. He was a famous Scottish poet who wrote many poems in the Scots language. These suppers usually happen on or around his birthday, January 25th. This day is known as Burns Night (Scots: Burns Nicht) or Robert Burns Day. People all over the world, especially those with Scottish roots, celebrate Burns Night.

Burns supper with haggis, neeps and tatties and a glass of whisky.

History of Burns Night

Programme for an 1859 'Birth of Burns' event.

The very first Burns supper was held by Robert Burns's friends. They met at his old home, Burns Cottage, in Ayrshire on July 21, 1801. This was five years after he passed away. Since then, these suppers have become a regular event.

The first official Burns Club started in Greenock in 1801. It was founded by merchants from Ayrshire, some of whom had known Burns. They held their first supper on what they thought was his birthday, January 29, 1802. However, they later found out his actual birthday was January 25, 1759. So, ever since 1803, Burns suppers have been held on or close to January 25th.

The Scottish Parliament sees Burns Night as a very important cultural event. They believe it helps celebrate Scotland's national poet and his work. Burns's poems helped make the Scots language popular. Celebrating Burns Night helps people remember and appreciate this important part of Scottish culture.

Burns suppers can be formal or informal. Both types usually include haggis (a traditional Scottish dish), Scotch whisky, and readings of Burns's poetry. Formal dinners are often hosted by groups like universities or clubs. During the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, many Burns Night celebrations moved online, with families celebrating at home. Formal suppers usually follow a special order.

How a Burns Supper Works

Welcoming Guests

A bagpiper often greets guests as they arrive. This helps set a traditional Scottish mood. If there isn't a bagpiper, traditional Scottish music is played instead.

Host's Welcome and Grace

The host, who leads the event, gives a short speech. They welcome everyone and explain why they are celebrating.

Before the meal, a special prayer of thanks is said. This is usually the "Selkirk Grace [sco]". It's a well-known blessing said in the Scots language. Even though it's linked to Burns, this grace was known even before his time.

The Selkirk Grace

Some hae meat an canna eat,

And some wad eat that want it;

But we hae meat, and we can eat,

And sae the Lord be thankit.

Starting the Meal

Cullen skink soup.

The supper begins with a soup course. This is usually a traditional Scottish soup. Popular choices include Scotch broth, potato soup, cullen skink, or cock-a-leekie.

The Haggis Ceremony

Piping in the Haggis

Piping in the haggis.

Bringing in the haggis.

Everyone stands up when the haggis is brought into the room. Haggis is a traditional Scottish meat dish, but vegetarian options are also common now. The cook usually carries it on a large dish. A bagpiper often leads the way to the host's table, where the haggis is placed. During this, songs like "A Man's A Man for A' That" might be played. Then, the host or a guest recites Burns's famous poem, "Address to a Haggis".

"Address to a Haggis"

Addressing the haggis.

During the poem, at the line His knife see rustic Labour dicht, the speaker usually takes out and sharpens a knife. Then, at the line An' cut you up wi' ready slicht, they cut the haggis open. This "ceremony" is a fun and important part of the evening!

The Main Meal

A cooked haggis.

Haggis, neeps and tatties on a plate.

After the poem, everyone raises a glass to the haggis. Then, they sit down to eat. The haggis is traditionally served with mashed potatoes (called "tatties") and mashed swede turnip (called "neeps").

Other Delicious Courses

The meal might also include a dessert, cheese, and coffee. These courses usually feature traditional Scottish recipes. For example, dessert might be cranachan (a creamy, fruity dessert) or tipsy laird (a whisky trifle). This could be followed by oatcakes and cheese. All of this is often enjoyed with a drink called the "water of life" (uisge beatha), which is Scotch whisky.

Toasts and Speeches

After the main meal, there are several speeches and toasts.

Immortal Memory

The main speaker gives a speech about Robert Burns's life or his poetry. This speech can be funny or serious. It often includes reading a poem or singing a song by Burns. Everyone then raises a toast to the "Immortal Memory of Robert Burns".

Address to the Lassies

This speech is given by a male guest. It used to be a short thank you to the women who prepared the meal. Now, it's a wider, often humorous, speech about men's views on women. It's meant to be amusing and respectful.

Reply to the Laddies

This speech is given by a female guest. It's a humorous reply to the "Address to the Lassies". The female speaker shares her views on men and responds to anything the previous speaker said. These two speeches are often planned together to be a fun back-and-forth.

More Burns's Works

After the speeches, guests might sing more songs by Burns, such as "Ae Fond Kiss" or "A Man's A Man for A' That". More of his poems might also be read, like "To a Mouse" or "Tam o' Shanter". This part of the evening can go on for as long as people wish. Sometimes, guests from other countries are invited to share poems or songs from their own cultures.

Ending the Evening

Finally, the host asks a guest to give a vote of thanks. Then, everyone stands up, joins hands, and sings the famous song "Auld Lang Syne". This brings the Burns supper to a close.

See also

In Spanish: Noche de Burns para niños

• List of dining events
• Scottish cuisine