Burns Night
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Where is Burns Night celebrated?
Burns Night is celebrated in Scotland annually on January 25.
Who celebrates Burns Night?
Burns Night is celebrated on January 25 by Scotland and Scots worldwide.
When did Burns Night start?
Burns Night was first held on July 21, 1801, at Burns Cottage in Alloway that included a supper.
Who started Burns Night?
Burns's nine close friends hosted the first Burns Night with Burns Supper to mark his fifth death anniversary.
History And Timeline
Robert Burns was recognized as a cultural icon in Scotland. He is one of the Scottish diasporas around the globe.
His works were considered a pioneer in the romantic movement. During the 19th to 20th century, his works strongly influenced Scottish literature. Burns Night is an official national day in Scotland, celebrated to memorialize Robert Burns' life and writings on his birth anniversary in January.
Robert Burns' Birthday
Scotland's famous and celebrated poet Robert Burns was born on January 25, 1759, in Alloway, Scotland.
1759Kilmarnock Edition Published
Kilmarnock Edition was the first collection of Burns poems in Scottish dialect. It was named 'Poems, Chiefly In The Scottish Dialect' and was printed on July 31, 1786.
1786Auld Lang Syne
The most famous song, 'Auld Lang Syne,' was written down by Burns in 1788. This song is traditionally sung on New Year's Eve in Scotland.
1788Robert Burns' Death
Burns died of heart disease on July 21, when he was just 37 years old, in Dumfries, Scotland.
July 21First Burns Supper Celebration
His friends held the first Burns Supper at Burns Cottage on July 21, 1801, in Ayrshire to mark his fifth anniversary of death.
July 21, 1801Traditions And Customs
On Burns Night, Scots worldwide host Burns Supper to celebrate his birthday.
Traditionally, a Burns Supper held on this event usually begins with a welcome announcement followed by the Selkirk Grace or Burns Grace ushered before the meal. Then Burns's famous poem 'Address to a Haggis ' is read by ceremonial slicing of the haggis; after that, people start to eat the haggis.
A series of toasts, including a 'Toast to the Lassies,' is served at the end of the event, and the event is concluded with a speech and singing of his most famous songs.
Ways To Observe Or Celebrate Burns Night
Scottish people around the globe celebrate the birthday of Scotland's renowned poet on Burns Night every year. You can pay tribute to the great bard in many ways.
You can traditionally host a Burns Supper for your friends at this event. The meal must include haggis, tatties, and neeps with Scottish whisky.
Read some of his poetry or recite his famous songs accompanied by food and Scottish drink for your guests. Have fun playing the hunt for the haggis game with your friends.
You can read about Scottish literature, historical figures, and poets to understand Scotland's culture.
Facts And Stats
- Burns was chosen as 'The Greatest Scot Ever' in 2009 by the Scottish public in a vote run conducted by a Scottish television channel. Spread such exciting facts on social media on this day.
- Many restaurants in Scotland host Burns Suppers, which involve the guests with formal dinner, tribute speech, recitation competitions, quizzes and also feature traditional bagpiper or Scottish music. Celebrate this day by going to such suppers.
- Deserts like clootie dumplings, cranachan, and a cheese board are traditionally served on Burns Night.
What happens at a Burns Night?
Burns Night includes Burns Supper, recitation of Robert Burns's poems, and a tribute speech made to the great poet.
What is a traditional Burns Night dinner?
The traditional Burns Night dinner known as Burns Supper includes the classic haggis, potato cakes, clootie dumpling, neeps, Scottish stovies, and tatties soup.
What do you say on Burns Night?
When greeting each other, people commonly say - 'Oidhche Bhlas Burns,' which means 'Happy Burns Night,' and 'Sláinte Mhath' means ‘good health.’
What do ladies wear for Burns Night?
Tartan sash over the right shoulder dress is the best attire for ladies on Burns Night.
Why is it called this?
Burns Night is an evening event that is held to celebrate the birth anniversary of Robert Burns.
When Is This Day Celebrated
- Friday, January 24, 2020
- Sunday, January 24, 2021
- Monday, January 24, 2022
- Tuesday, January 24, 2023
- Wednesday, January 24, 2024
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Master of Business Administration
Deepthi ReddyMaster of Business Administration
With an MBA under her belt, Deepthi has discovered her true calling in content writing. Her writing repertoire is diverse, covering travel, movies, pet care, parenting, animals and birds, and more. Her joy of learning and creating has helped her craft well-written and engaging articles. When she isn't writing, Deepthi enjoys exploring new cultures, trying different foods, and spending quality time with her two children aged 7 and 12.
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