Like most Scottish celebrations, Burns Nights revolves around one thing - food.
Today January 25, Scots from around the world will gather together to host Burns Suppers, in an evening that celebrates the life and works of Scotland's beloved bard Robert Burns.
A chance to celebrate Scottish traditions, poems, songs and of course, the humble haggis, it's a fun night whether it's a formal dinner you host or a quiet gathering.
So what happens on Burns night?
We've put together an easy guide so that you can go as big (or as small) as you want when hosting your own Burns Supper.
Piping in the guests
The first order of business is welcoming in the guests.
No Burns night is complete without a piper drumming up excitement – though if you don't have access to one then, of course, Spotify will do - traditional Scottish music is the order of the day.
Chairman’s Welcome
The host of the evening then gathers the guests and marks the beginning of the evening’s entertainment.
And then, it’s time to get serious.
The Selkirk Grace
A short prayer is then read aloud:
"Some hae meat and canna eat,
And some wad eat that want it,
But we hae meat and we can eat,
And sae the Lord be thankit."
Nominate your best Burns speaker to bellow this from the top of the table.
A booming Scottish accent is mandatory for maximum effect.
Piping in the haggis
For one night only you can welcome your dinner in true style. The noisier the better.
After all, Scots do love to eat so why not make it as exciting as possible? Again, feel free to substitute in Spotify or Youtube here in place of an actual piper.
The main attraction has arrived and everyone’s geared up for an unforgettable feast.
Address to the haggis
Now for the hard bit…
One lucky diner will be selected to give their rendition of ‘To a Haggis’.
We suggest you choose someone who has practised the poem in advance.
Or at the very least pick someone who has laid eyes on the never-ending tongue twister before tonight.
"Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face, Great chieftain o the puddin'-race…."
We recommend you read this poem thoroughly before your big performance.
If executed correctly this can be the most moving moment of any Burns supper.
This is followed by the ceremonial cutting of the haggis marking the start of the feast. Finally, time to eat!
Toast to the haggis
Or so we thought.
Still focusing on the haggis and before everyone digs in, the crowd will normally toast the haggis.
To do this simply raise a glass and shout as jovially as possible: ‘The Haggis!’
Group participation makes Burns supper even better so get involved.
Finally, it really is time to eat!
With everything having gone smoothly with the preparation, it’s time to eat, drink and be merry.
The main part of the meal is of course the haggis but there’s often Cock-a-Leekie or Scotch Broth soup to start and Clootie Dumpling or Cranachan for dessert.
And lots and lots of whisky to wash it all down.
Toast to the Lassies
This bit is just for the ladies.
Usually, a male guest will thank all the women who prepared the meal but times are changing and traditions with it and women are encouraged to return the gesture with a ‘Toast to the Laddies’.
The content of these speeches probably depends on how merry the guests are by this point in the evening.
There’s sure to be a few laughs anyway and this is your chance to shine if you've got something to add to the evening.
Works by Burns
Burns night wouldn’t be Burns night without a good old sing-along or a recital.
Try A Man’s a Man and Parcel O’ Rogues to start. For a little added cute factor why not help the kids prepare something?
The Sair Finger? Jenny Wi The Mumps?
And don’t forget to end another amazing Burns night by joining hands and singing Auld Lang Syne.
Tartan is mandatory and much shortbread and Irn Bru should be consumed. Dancing is recommended early in the evening while you still can.
Isn’t it a shame Burns Night only happens once a year?
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