Difference between revisions of "Burns supper" - New World Encyclopedia
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Finally, the host will call on one of the guests to give the vote of thanks. Then, everyone is asked to stand, join hands, and sing '' [[Auld Lang Syne]]'' to bring the evening to an end. | Finally, the host will call on one of the guests to give the vote of thanks. Then, everyone is asked to stand, join hands, and sing '' [[Auld Lang Syne]]'' to bring the evening to an end. | ||
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== References == | == References == |
Revision as of 17:11, 2 August 2019
Burns supper | |
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Cutting the haggis at a Burns Supper | |
Observed by | Scotland; Scots people |
Date | January 25 (traditional) |
A Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns, author of many Scots poems. The suppers are normally held on or near the poet's birthday, 25 January, sometimes also known as Robert Burns Day (or Robbie Burns Day[1] or Rabbie Burns Day) or Burns Night, although they may in principle be held at any time of the year.
Burns suppers are most common in Scotland and Northern Ireland but occur wherever there are Burns Clubs, Scottish Societies, expatriate Scots, or aficionados of Burns' poetry. There is a particularly strong tradition of them in southern New Zealand's main city Dunedin, of which Burns' nephew Thomas Burns was a founding father.
The first suppers were held in Ayrshire at the end of the 18th century by Robert Burns' friends on the anniversary of his death, 21 July, In Memoriam and they have been a regular occurrence ever since. The first Burns club, known as The Mother Club, was founded in Greenock in 1801 by merchants born in Ayrshire, some of whom had known Burns. They held the first Burns supper on what they thought was his birthday on 29 January 1802, but in 1803 discovered from the Ayr parish records that the correct date was 25 January 1759,[2] and since then suppers have been held on 25 January, Burns' birthday.
Burns suppers may be formal or informal. Both typically include haggis (a traditional Scottish dish celebrated by Burns in Address to a Haggis), Scotch whisky and the recitation of Burns' poetry. Formal dinners are hosted by organisations such as Burns clubs, the Freemasons or St Andrews Societies and occasionally end with dancing when ladies are present. Formal suppers follow a standard format.
A Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns (25 January 1759 – 21 July 1796), the author of many Scots poems. The suppers are normally held on or near the poet's birthday, 25 January, occasionally known as Robert Burns Day (or Robbie Burns Day[3] or Rabbie Burns Day) but more commonly known as Burns Night (Scots: Burns Nicht). However, in principle, celebrations may be held at any other time of the year.
Robert Burns
Robert Burns (25 January 1759 – 21 July 1796), also known familiarly as Rabbie Burns, the National Bard, Bard of Ayrshire and the Ploughman Poet and various other names and epithets,[nb 1] was a Scottish poet and lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is celebrated worldwide. He is the best known of the poets who have written in the Scots language, although much of his writing is also in English and a light Scots dialect, accessible to an audience beyond Scotland. He also wrote in standard English, and in these writings his political or civil commentary is often at its bluntest.
He is regarded as a pioneer of the Romantic movement, and after his death he became a great source of inspiration to the founders of both liberalism and socialism, and a cultural icon in Scotland and among the Scottish diaspora around the world. Celebration of his life and work became almost a national charismatic cult during the 19th and 20th centuries, and his influence has long been strong on Scottish literature. In 2009 he was chosen as the greatest Scot by the Scottish public in a vote run by Scottish television channel STV.
As well as making original compositions, Burns also collected folk songs from across Scotland, often revising or adapting them. His poem (and song) "Auld Lang Syne" is often sung at Hogmanay (the last day of the year), and "Scots Wha Hae" served for a long time as an unofficial national anthem of the country. Other poems and songs of Burns that remain well known across the world today include "A Red, Red Rose", "A Man's a Man for A' That", "To a Louse", "To a Mouse", "The Battle of Sherramuir", "Tam o' Shanter" and "Ae Fond Kiss".
History of the Burns Supper
The first supper was held in memoriam at Burns Cottage by Burns's friends, on 21 July 1801, the fifth anniversary of his death; it has been a regular occurrence ever since. The first still extant Burns Club was founded in Greenock in 1801 by merchants who were born in Ayrshire, some of whom had known Burns. They held the first Burns supper on what they thought was his birthday, 29 January 1802, but in 1803, they discovered the Ayr parish records that noted his date of birth was actually 25 January 1759.[6] Since then, suppers have been held on or about 25 January.
Burns suppers may be formal or informal. Both typically include haggis (a traditional Scottish dish celebrated by Burns in Address to a Haggis), Scotch whisky and the recitation of Burns's poetry. Formal dinners are hosted by organisations such as Burns clubs, the Freemasons or St Andrews Societies; they occasionally end with dancing when ladies are present. Formal suppers follow a standard order.
Standard order
Piping in guests
A piper generally greets the guests, who gather and mix as at any informal party.[7] At less formal gatherings, traditional Scottish music is played.[8]
Host's welcoming speech
The host says a few words welcoming everyone to the supper and perhaps stating the reason for it.[7]
All the guests are seated and grace is said, usually using the Selkirk Grace, a well-known thanksgiving said before meals that uses the Scots language. Although attributed to Burns, the Selkirk Grace was already known in the 17th century as the "Galloway Grace" or the "Covenanters' Grace". It came to be called the Selkirk Grace because Burns was said to have delivered it at a dinner given by the Earl of Selkirk.
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.[7]
Soup course
The supper starts with the soup course. Normally, a Scottish soup, such as Scotch broth, potato soup, cullen skink, or cock-a-leekie, is served.
Haggis
Piping of haggis
Everyone stands as the haggis is brought in. It is usually brought in by the cook on a large dish, generally while a bagpiper leads the way to the host's table, where the haggis is laid down. "A Man's A Man for A' That", "Robbie Burns Medley" or "The Star O' Robbie Burns" might be played.[9] The host, or perhaps a guest, then recites the Address to a Haggis.
Address to a Haggis
Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face, |
(fa = befall, sonsie = jolly/cheerful) |
The groaning trencher there ye fill, |
|
His knife see rustic Labour dicht, |
(dicht = wipe, here with the idea of sharpening)
|
Then, horn for horn, they stretch an' strive: |
|
Is there that o're his French ragout |
|
Poor devil! see him ower his trash, |
|
But mark the Rustic, haggis fed, |
|
Ye Pow'rs wha mak mankind your care, |
|
At the line His knife see rustic Labour dicht, the speaker normally draws and sharpens a knife. At the line An' cut you up wi' ready slicht, he plunges it into the haggis and cuts it open from end to end. When done properly, the "ceremony" is a highlight of the evening.
Main course
At the end of the poem, a whisky toast will be proposed to the haggis, and the company will sit down to the meal. The haggis is traditionally served with mashed potatoes (tatties) and mashed swede (neeps).[8]
Other courses
A dessert course, cheese courses, coffee, etc., may also be part of the meal. The courses normally use traditional Scottish recipes. For instance, dessert may be cranachan or tipsy laird (whisky trifle), followed by oatcakes and cheese, all washed down with the "water of life" (uisge beatha), Scotch whisky.
Toasts
When the meal reaches the coffee stage, various speeches and toasts are given.
Immortal memory
The main speaker gives a speech remembering some aspect of Burns's life or poetry. It may be either light-hearted or serious and may include the recitation of a poem or a song by Burns. A toast to the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns then follows.[8]
Address to the Lassies
This was originally a short speech given by a male guest in thanks to the women who had prepared the meal. However, it is now much more wide-ranging and generally covers the male speaker's view on women. It is normally amusing and not offensive, particularly since it will be followed by a reply from the "lassies" concerned. The men drink a toast to the women's health.
Reply to the Laddies
This is occasionally (and humorously) called the "Toast to the Laddies". Like the previous toast, it is generally now quite wide-ranging. A female guest will give her views on men and reply to any specific points raised by the previous speaker. Like the previous speech, it should be amusing but not offensive. Quite often, the speakers giving this toast and the previous one will collaborate so that the two toasts complement each other.
Works by Burns
After the speeches there may be singing of songs by Burns (such as Ae Fond Kiss, Parcel o' Rogues and A Man's a Man) and more poetry (such as To a Mouse, To a Louse, Tam o' Shanter, The Twa Dogs and Holy Willie's Prayer).
That may be done by the individual guests or by invited experts, and it goes on for as long as the guests wish. It may include other works by poets influenced by Burns, particularly poets writing in Scots. Foreign guests may also be invited to sing or say works from their land.
Closing
Finally, the host will call on one of the guests to give the vote of thanks. Then, everyone is asked to stand, join hands, and sing Auld Lang Syne to bring the evening to an end.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- ↑ http://life.nationalpost.com/2013/01/25/forks-amp-the-road-hurling-haggis-for-robbie-burns-day/
- ↑ Congratulation Greenock Burns Club. The Robert Burns World Federation Limited. Retrieved 2010-01-18.
- ↑ "Forks & The Road: Hurling haggis for Robbie Burns Day", January 25, 2013. Retrieved 31 March 2017.
- ↑ O'Hagan, A: "The People's Poet", The Guardian, 19 January 2008.
- ↑ Scotland's National Bard. scottishexecutive.gov.uk. Scottish Executive (25 January 2008). Retrieved 10 June 2009.
- ↑ Congratulation Greenock Burns Club. The Robert Burns World Federation Limited. Archived from the original on 26 January 2010. Retrieved 18 January 2010.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 BBC - Robert Burns - Burns Night - Running Order.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 About: Celebrating Burns Night. VisitScotland. Retrieved 25 January 2019.
- ↑ Archie Cairns – Book 1 Pipe Music 1995
External links
- A 2007 Supper for Mauchline Burns Club, presented with explanations of each stage
- A recital of Address to a Haggis
- Address to the Unco Guid or the rigidly righteous
- A film recording of the 145th Burns Supper from 1971 at the Irvine Burns Club.
Template:Robert Burns
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