January 25th, 2009 was the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scottish icon Robert Burns. Annual Burns Suppers have been held in his honor on or around his birthday for about 245 years. The first Burns Supper was celebrated by his friends on the 5th anniversary of his death on July 21st, 1801. The next year it was changed to being a celebration of his birth. Burns Suppers are now held all over the world.
There is a set format for a Burns Supper. It starts with the guests being piped in as they take their places at the table. Everyone is then welcomed by the host who declares the celebrations to be open. After this welcome, the host, or another guest, will read The Selkirk Grace. Next supper begins with a soup course, usually a Scottish favorite such as Cock-A-Leekie soup. After the soup course, the guests all stand while the haggis is piped in from the kitchen. The host, or a guest, then recites Address To A Haggis. At a specific line in the poem, a knife is plunged into the haggis.. It might be taken back to the kitchen or the guest will continue to slice it. Then there is a whiskey toast to the haggis. The haggis is usually served with mashed tatties and neeps (potatoes and turnip). Next comes a dessert course, usually a favorite Scottish dish like sherry trifle. This course is then followed by oatcakes and cheese. Coffee is also usually served at this time.
The evening continues with a toast to the Queen, with a glass of whiskey. Next is followed a speech from one of the guests about the life and works of Robert Burns. After this the host will thank the speaker. This is followed by a Toast to the Lassies from another guest. Originally, Burns Suppers were men only events. In later years, a Reply to the Toast to the Lassies has been added. Each toast is followed by a liberal amount of whiskey. Guest then take turns reading Burns poems, singing Burns songs and possibly doing some Highland dancing.
At the end of the evening, one of the guests gives a speech thanking the host for his hospitality. The evening is then rounded off by a hearty singing of Auld Lang Syne.
