It began with a poem. A long and somewhat silly poem. A poem, in fact, in praise of haggis. Not the juvenile rhymes of fifth grade boys (no offense!) but of the most famous poet in Scottish history: Robert Burns, author of hundreds of poems and songs (“To a Mouse” 1785; “Auld Lang Syne” 1788; “Tam o’ Shanter” 1790; “A Red, Red Rose” 1794, to name a few).

On the evening of January 25, people all over the world (and especially in Scotland) will celebrate this most famous of Scots with a Burns Supper on Burns Night. Five years after Burns’ death in 1796 at a mere 37 years of age, five of his friends inaugurated the very first Burns Supper, donning their kilts, feasting on neeps and tatties and haggis (of course!), raising a dram in his honor, and reciting the poem that made haggis the national food of Scotland. This singular event became an annual holiday revolving around “the celebration of life, food, socializing and revelry” (nationaltoday.com).

You can likely find a Burns Supper near you, or better yet host your own. All you need is haggis, plenty of whisky to wash it down, and a loud recitation of “Address to a Haggis.” Check out this performance for a wee bit of inspiration.

Ye Pow’rs wha mak mankind your care,
And dish them out their bill o’ fare,
Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware
That jaups in luggies;
But, if ye wish her gratefu’ prayer,
Gie her a Haggis!

Oidhche Blas Burns! (“Happy Burns Night”)