subject: Haggis, neeps and tatties a true celebratio! [print this page] Author: Anna Murray Author: Anna Murray
Born to a family of poor tenant farmers Burns started his life in Alloway, Scotland. He is most commonly known as Rabbie Burns or The Bard. Scotland is rightly pround of it's most famous poet.Thanks to his fathers perserverence Burns reeceived an education despite his poor background.When his father passed away in 1784, Burns and his brother took over the farm. Farming wasn't something that came naturally to Burns and he moved away from it towards writing, publishing his first poem in 1786. Burns emergence onto Edinburgh's literary sceen, brought him fame but not fortune. To supplement his meagre income he also worked as an excise man, collecting taxes. As well as hundreds of poems burns also contributed to over 400 songs.Romance was one of the central themes in Burns work and he had many romantic liaisons. It was his first love, Nelly Kirkpatrick, who inspired him to try his hand at poetry. There is much speculation about how many children Burns fathered; most believe it is twelve, from four different women, while others think it could be as many as fourteen by six different women. His last son, Maxwell, was born on the day he was buried. Burns died from rheumatic fever at the age of 37.The ritual of a Burns' supper was established by his friends a few years after his death in 1796. Burns Suppers take place on the 25th January, the anniversary of Burns birth. Most Burns suppers follow a traditional format. The evening starts with the host welcoming the guests and once everyone is seated the host delivers the Selkirk Grace. The grace is written in Scots language - the selkirk grace was famously delivered by Burn's although it wasn't in fact written by him.At larger and more formal occasions the chef is led in by a piper. Either the host or another willing volunteer then gives the Ode To The Haggis, one of Burns poems. When they reach the line an cut you up wi ready slight, the first cut is made into the haggis. It is also common for guests to toast the haggis, with a dram of whisky. Women often wear items in their own family tartan such as skirts, sashes and scarves as wel as celtic jewellery. The Immortal Memory; then a guest will talk about burns as an inspiration to Scottish culture. Then follows a toast to the lasses from the men including a few good natured gibes for the amusement of the party, then the ladies take their turn and respond in kind with their own humerous remarks about male characteristics. Other Burns poems and songs are sung during the evening. At the end of the supper the guests stand, link arms and sing Auld Lang Syne - Burns' world famous song which is also sung on New Year's Eve.For devotees of Burns, there are two distinct which can be worn in celebration of his life and works one is the and the other is the Burns Commerative tartan. About the Author:
Anna Murray is leading Burns celebrations at The Scotland Kilt Company - a family run business based in Edinburgh. For more information about kilts, sashes and scarves for every occasion ladieswear including measuring yourself for a kilt and choosing your tartan visit
