Burns Night is an annual celebration of the life and works of the famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns. It is held every January 25th and is marked by traditional Burns suppers, with traditional Scottish readings of Burnsโ poems. Here are 10 facts about Burns Night that you may not know:
1. Scotland celebrate Burns Night.
Burns Night is celebrated every year in Scotland.
It’s a very important day for Scottish people.
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2. Burns Night is celebrated because of a famous poet called Robert Burns.
It is celebrated because of a famous Scottish poet and song writer called Robert Burns.
In Scotland they use this day to commemorate him.
Embed from Getty Images3. Burns Night is celebrated on 25th January.
Burns Night is celebrated on this day because it was Robert Burns’ birthday.
He was born on 25th January 1759 in Alloway, Scotland.
4. Robert Burns wrote Auld Lang Syne.
Robert Burns wrote lots of famous poems and songs.
However, one of his most popular songs is Auld Lang Syne.
It’s the song that is sung at New Years by people from all over the world!
Some of his other famous works are ‘Address to a Haggis’, ‘A Red, Red Rose’ and ‘To a Mouse’.
Embed from Getty Images5. Poems are recited on Burns Night.
During Burns Night, Robert Burns’ poems will get read out.
Often, before they eat their Burns Supper, ‘Address To A Haggis’ will be recited.
6. The instrument of choice is traditional Scottish bagpipes.
The most traditional Scottish music comes from bagpipes!
You might have seen or heard them before.
They are very loud!
Bagpipes have a bag which holds the air that is blown into them through a pipe.
The bag is then pressed and the sound will come out!
Embed from Getty Images7. A traditional Scottish meal, known as Burns Supper, is eaten.
The traditional Scottish meal that is eaten on Burns night is known as Burns Supper.
The traditional food includes haggis, turnips (which are called neeps) and mashed potatoes which are known as “tatties”!
8. Haggis has ingredients in it that you might not expect!
Haggis is the most famous traditional Scottish food.
It consists of things you might not expect though!
Sheep liver, heart and lung are the main ingredients.
Plus oatmeal, onions, suet, seasoning and spices are also mixed in.
Embed from Getty Images9. Traditional Scottish kilts are often worn.
Kilts are traditional Scottish clothing worn by men.
They are knee length skirts and are tartan.
These are usually worn at formal occasions such as a wedding, but some people do wear them every day.
Burns Night is also the perfect occasion to wear one.
Embed from Getty Images10. Robert Burns passed away in 1796.
Robert Burns passed away over 200 years ago in 1796.
However, his memory will always live on!
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