National holiday — The birthday of the outstanding poet Robert Burns (January 25, 1759 — July 21, 1796) is widely celebrated in his homeland of Scotland. The Scots are very proud of their famous compatriot and honor his memory. The holiday is held not only in Scotland, but also in many areas of Britain.
Robert Burns' birthday is usually celebrated in the form of a dinner (called Burns Supper), held according to a certain scenario. First — is a small stage performance, with poems, songs and folk dances. In Scotland, Burns is revered as a symbol of the nation, and therefore the poet's birthday — is one of the most beloved holidays in the land of the — hills, celebrated widely and noisily.
On this day, the Scots take out national costumes from their wardrobes. Kilt and fabric pattern — Scot — is passed down only through the family line and determines belonging to a particular clan. The clans date back to early times, when only the Highlanders (Scots living in the mountains rather than the plain) were divided into clans-families. Belonging to one clan or another is still an important characteristic of the Scottish family.
Burns' birthday party consists exclusively of Scottish cuisine. Hagis was traditionally made with finely chopped liver lamb with the addition of oatmeal and spices. Boiled potatoes and turnips are served along with hagis on the festive table. For dessert, a knowledgeable housewife will prepare cranihene — whipped cream with raspberries and toasted oatmeal. And, of course, on the table on this day is the famous Scotch whiskey.
Burns' birthday party (Photo: Paul_Brighton, licensed from Shutterstock.com)
Burns was born to a farmer. While still at school, Robert began writing down his first poems in a notebook. He wrote only about what he himself experienced and felt — joy and sorrow, love for women, devotion to his homeland. Burns' youth was spent in need and hard work and, as usually happens, awakened love in him. He had a stormy personal life full of novels.
The theme of his poems — is love, freedom, Scottish nature and history. The Scottish language was not a dying dialect for him, but an exquisite poetic instrument. Poetry captivates with its simplicity, playfulness and amazing musicality.
Burns is praised as a romantic poet, however, his poems and ballads reflect the practical sanity of the peasants among whom he grew up. Burns' work marked the heyday of Scottish poetry, — lyrical, earthly, satirical, and sometimes mischievous. Especially popular among Scots is Burns' poem «In the mountains is my heart» (My Heart's in the Highlands), which is filled with love for Scotland.
In the mountains my heart... Until now I'm there,
Following the trail of a deer, I fly along the rocks,
I drive a deer, scare a goat,
My heart is in the mountains, and I myself am below.
Goodbye my homeland! North, goodbye —
The Fatherland of glory and valor is a land.
We are driving through the white world by fate,
I will forever remain your son!