What is Burns Night and why do we celebrate Robert Burns on January 25?
JANUARY 25 is the anniversary of the favoured Scottish Burns Night, a festival that celebrates the nation's most famous poet.
But who was Robert Burns and what are some of his most famous poems?
What is Burns Night?
Burns Night is held every year on January 25, which was the famous poet's birthday.
On Burns Night, Scots around the UK hold toasts in his honour and someone usually recites the Burns poem Address To A Haggis.
Those celebrating cut into a haggis, and tuck into neeps, tatties and a wee dram - or, in other words, turnips, potatoes and whiskey.
After the delicious feast, there are more poetry readings followed by bagpipes and a night of dancing.
Who was Robert Burns?
Robert Burns was born on January 25, 1759, in Alloway, Scotland.
He was one of seven children and despite his parents being tenant farmers they made sure their son received a fairly good education.
He met Jean Armour and after an on-off relationship over the course of several years, they got married in 1788.
The poet enjoyed female company and over his time fathered 12 children by four different mothers.
The writer's first published collection of work was a huge success and at just 27, Burns was famous throughout the country.
He died aged just 37 in 1796.
There are many theories behind his death, one being that he was found by the roadside in the pouring rain after suffering with a heart infection called endocarditis.
He is now thought to have over 9,000 living relations.
Why do we celebrate the poet with Burns Night on January 25?
The day celebrates Burns' contribution to Scottish culture on the day of his birth.
It is an evening of food, drink and poetry recitals.
The first course is usually a soup.
Scotch broth is common, as is Cullen skink, which is made from smoked haddock and potatoes, and cock-a-leekie, which is chicken and leek soup.
For the main course Burns' poem Address To A Haggis is read before the guests are served haggis and Scotch Whisky.
It's usually served with mashed turnips (neeps) and potatoes (tatties).
Dessert is a sweet dish called Cranachan, which is a mixture of whipped cream, whisky, honey, raspberries and toasted oats soaked overnight.
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Did Robert Burns write Auld Lang Syne?
"Auld Lang Syne" is a popular song in English-speaking countries, particularly Scotland and the rest of the UK.
It's traditionally sung at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, but is often heard at funerals, graduations, and as a farewell.
The poem was originally written in Gaelic by Robert Burns in 1788 but is based on an older Scottish folk song.
Robert Burns also wrote popular poems such as:
- To A Louse
- To A Mouse
- The Cotter's Saturday Night
- Scots Wha Hae
- A Red, Red Rose
- Address To A Haggis
What does Auld Lang Syne mean?
The title of the Auld Lang Syne literally translates to "old long since", or less literally, "long long ago", "days gone by", "times long past" or "old times".
"For auld lang syne", as it appears in the first line of the chorus, might also be translated to "for the sake of old times".
The phrase "Auld Lang Syne" has been used by other poets, such as Robert Ayton, Allan Ramsay, and James Watson, prior to the nation's most famous poet, Robert Burns.