A
Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of Robert Burns. The
suppers are normally held on or near the poet's birthday, 25th January.
The
first suppers were held by Robert Burns' friends on the anniversary of his
death, 21 July. The first “Burns Club” held the first “Burns supper” in 1802 and
since then suppers honouring the greatest Scot have been held every year.
Burns
suppers may be either formal or informal. Informal suppers typically include
haggis (a traditional Scottish dish), 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.
The
formal suppers follow a standard format which is as follows.
Host's welcoming speech: The host says a few words welcoming everyone to the supper and the event is declared open.
Selkirk grace: All
of the guests are seated and grace is said, usually using the Selkirk Grace.
“Some hae meat and canna eat, And some wad
eat that want it; But we hae meat, and we can eat, And sae let the Lord be
thankit.” (Some have meat and cannot
eat, Some cannot eat that want it; But
we have meat and we can eat, So let the Lord be thankit.)
Soup course:
Normally a Scottish soup such as Scotch Broth, Potato Soup or Cock-a-Leekie is
served.
Entrance of the haggis: Everyone
stands as the main course is brought in. This is always a haggis on a large
dish. It is usually brought in by the cook, generally while a piper plays
bagpipes and leads the way to the host's table, where the haggis is laid down.
The host, or perhaps a guest with a talent, then recites the Address to a
Haggis.
At
the line of the poem where it says “His knife see rustic Labour dicht” the
speaker normally draws and cleans a knife, and at the line “An' cut you up wi'
ready slicht”, plunges it into the haggis and cuts it open from end to end.
This "ceremony" is a highlight of the evening.
Scotch
whisky toast: At the end of
the poem, a Scotch whisky toast will be proposed to the haggis, then the
company will sit and enjoy the meal.
Supper: The main course is haggis, and is traditionally served with mashed potatoes
(tatties) and mashed turnip (neeps). 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.
When
the meal reaches the coffee stage various speeches and toasts are given. In
order, the core speeches and toasts are as follows.
Immortal
memory: One of the guests gives a short speech, remembering
some aspect of Burns' life or poetry. This may be light-hearted or intensely
serious. Everyone drinks a toast to Robert Burns. The host will normally say a
few words thanking the speaker.
Toast
to the Lassies: This was originally a short speech
given by a male guest in thanks to those women who had prepared the meal. The
men drink a toast to the women's health
Reply
to the Toast of the Lassies:
This is occasionally (and humorously) called the “Toast to the Laddies”.
In it a female guest will give her views on men and reply to any specific
points raised by the previous speaker. Quite often the speaker giving this
toast and the previous one will collaborate so that the two toasts complement
each other.
Singing: After the speeches, there may be singing of songs by Burns.
Auld
Lang Syne: Finally the
host will wind things up, after which everyone is asked to stand, join hands,
and sing Auld Lang Syne which brings the evening to an end.
