January 25th is Burns Night!
Happy Burns Night!
January 25th is considered Scotland's second national holiday, dedicated to remembering Robert Burns' legacy of poetry and nationalism. Robert Burns, also known as Rabbie Burns, was a Scottish poet and one of the forefathers of the Romantic movement, and a pioneer of literature in the 18th century.
Burns Night is celebrated on his birthday, January 25th, and is a way to honor his life and legacy. The tradition began a few years after the poet's death in 1796. His friends gathered every year on the day of his death (July 21) to honor his career.
The gathering starts with a few words from the host, followed by everyone sitting and reciting the Selkirk Grace. The meal begins with the starter, followed by the piping in of the haggis. The chieftain haggis is traditionally presented with great ceremony. It is piped in on a silver plate carried by the cook to a standing, slow clap. The host then recites the famous Burns Night haggis poem, Address to a Haggis, everyone toasts the haggis and finally, the main course is presented, which is always followed by dessert.
Haggis is Scotland's national dish, a kind of pudding made from the liver, heart, and lungs of a sheep (or other animal), chopped and mixed with beef or lamb fat and oatmeal, and seasoned with cayenne pepper, onion, and other spices. The concoction is stuffed into a sheep's stomach and boiled.
Unfortunately, those in the U.S. who would like to try the recipe are out of luck - assuming they want to try a haggis made with the traditional ingredients. Importing the dish from Scotland was illegal for a long time, and since 1971, Americans have been prohibited by law from cooking meals that include sheep's lungs.
Today in Edinburgh, hundreds of dancers will be performing traditional Scottish dances such as the Strip the Willow, the Gay Gordons, and the Dashing White Sergeant. Haggis will also be in abundance, with local food vendors putting their spin on haggis pizzas, haggis bonbons, and a haggis burger.
If you are planning to celebrate Burns Night, make sure to choose the right Scotch to go with it!
How are you celebrating Burns Night?
Sláinte! 🥃
