Honoring Mr. Burns, The Bard of Ayr

If you think we're talking about Mr. Burns from The Simpsons, this is not the case. I'm talking about the original Mr. Robert Burns, Scotland's most beloved bard (officially the National Poet of Scotland). If this is your first time hearing about Robert Burns, you might be surprised to know that there is a huge following of fans who have a special way of celebrating his birthday every January.

Rober Burns 1759-1796

In honor of Burns, people across the world host gatherings called Burns Suppers. The Burns Supper can be as lavish or low-key as a host sees fit but has a few key elements that are part of every event. It is a gathering of food, lots of drink, and memorializing the poet through poems, songs and lots of wit.

My very first Burns Supper was three years ago with my parents and their friends. The most I knew was that I was to sing probably the most familiar Burns classic- Auld Lang Syne and would be trying Haggis for the first time. It was a wonderful evening and I'm thrilled to have been invited again this year. Next week, I'll be sure to have photos and a follow-up about our Burns Supper.

Until then, here are a few links for more information on this somewhat underground yet massive society:

The Robert Burns Association of North America
A Burns Dinner Itinerary
Gerard Butler to play Robert Burns (yes, really)

Note: The tartan featured above is our family tartan of Clan Hamilton. For those wondering how this works into my Spanish background, my dad's side is of Scottish decent and the Hamilton line runs through his mother's side.