Robert Burns

Today we looked at a poem by Robert Burns, a very famous Scottish poet. Do you remember when I told you about our Christmas traditions in England and I told you that on New Years Eve we sing Auld Lang Syne? Robert Burns is the poet that wrote this.


In Scotland there is a traditional supper held in honour of Robert Burns, called Burns night or Burns supper. It is a celebration of the life and works of the poet. Traditionally, in the last few hundred years , it is held on the anniversary of his birth, January 25th, but originally it was held in July on the anniversary of his death.

Many people and organizations hold a Burns' supper on or around Burns' Night. Formal events include toasts and readings of pieces written by Robert Burns.

The evening centers on the entrance of the haggis (a type of sausage made from a sheep's stomach) on a large plate to the sound of a piper playing bagpipes. When the haggis is on the table, the host reads the "Address to a Haggis". This is an poem that Robert Burns wrote to the Scottish dish. At the end of the reading, the haggis is ceremonially sliced into two pieces and the meal begins.

Auld Lang Syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!

For auld lang syne, my jo,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne. 

And surely ye'll be your pint stowp!
And surely I'll be mine!
And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou'd the gowan fine;
But we've wander'd mony a weary fitt,
Sin' auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn,
Frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin' auld lang syne.

And there's a hand, my trusty fiere!
And gie's a hand o' thine!
And we'll tak a right gude-willie-waught,
For auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my jo,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.