The stirring, haunting skirl of the bagpipe announces a procession which features a silver tray on which a haggis is proudly and reverently displayed. Now a sheep's stomach filled with a blend of sheep's heart, liver, lungs, as well as oatmeal and spices, may not sound like a celebratory feast, but to many it happily culminates a day devoted to one of Scotland's most famous sons.Robert Burns, born January 25, 1759, was a self taught poet born into a peasant family. Burns realized that farming was not his calling and began to publish and sell his poems, which became very popular in the urban centers like Edinburgh.
His lyrical style was usually of romantic love, the enjoyment of a good drink and pride of individual and country. Many of his poems are written as odes to specific women, of whom he was fond. Of course of his many compositions, one of his most famous and oft recited is Auld Lang Syne.
While there is no strict tradition followed for a Burns dinner, celebrations often fall into two camps -- scholarly, elegant and formal, or loud, raucous and spontaneous. The serving of the haggis is usually a centerpiece of any celebration. Often the host and guests will recite the author's poetry or stories and round out the evening with a toast to the author with a good whiskey.
The Parting Kiss
Humid seal of soft affections,
Tenderest pledge of future bliss,
Dearest tie of young connections,
Love's first snowdrop, virgin kiss!
Speaking silence, dumb confession,
Passion's birth, and infant's play.
Dove-like fondness, chaste concession,
Glowing dawn of future day!
Sorrowing joy, Adieu's last action,
(Lingering lips must now disjoin),
What words can ever speak affection
So thrilling and sincere as thine!
Robert Burns, 1788
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