As we prepare to sing “Auld Lang Syne,” millions around the world are gearing up to celebrate the 260th birthday of the song’s writer, Scottish national poet Robert Burns. On or near Jan. 25 every year, an estimated 9 million people around the globe attend Burns Suppers in honor of the beloved bard.
Picture and caption from Wikimedia Commons
Scottish National Portrait Gallery: This half-length portrait of Burns, framed within an oval, has become the most well-known and widely reproduced image of the famous Scottish poet. Nasmyth’s painting, commissioned by the publisher William Creech, was to be engraved for a new edition of Burn’s poems. He is shown fashionably dressed against a landscape, evoking his rural background in Alloway, Ayrshire. Burns and Nasmyth had become good friends, having been introduced to one another in Edinburgh by a mutual patron, Patrick Miller of Dalswinton. Nasmyth, pleased to have recorded Burns’ likeness convincingly, decided to leave the painting in a slightly unfinished state.
— Most of this article previously was published by GreenwichFreePress.com.
At the Greenwich Burns’ Supper on Jan. 26, the Greenwich Pipe Band will play rousing tunes and Stefanie Kies will wow the audience with beautiful renditions of Burns’ songs.
A full dinner, a buffet dinner including traditional Scottish fare like haggis, neeps (turnips), and tatties (mashed potatoes). A chicken dish will also be available for the haggis-shy and there will be green vegetables as well. Dessert and entertainment are included.
Ticket prices go up Jan. 1.
Greenwich resident Stasha Healy couldn’t find a Burns Supper nearby so she created one in 2016.
Healy studied Burns at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, and said, “His incredible use of language, appreciation of beauty, love of freedom, and connection to nature are all qualities of Romantic poetry, a movement that particularly speaks to me.”
Burns is considered a pre-Romantic, as he was born a half generation before most others in that genre.
“Since he fathered 13 children with four women before his death at age 37, perhaps he should be categorized as an over-Romantic,” Healy joked.
Break out your tartan and come join the fun to celebrate the Ploughman Poet at this new Greenwich tradition!
What is a Burns Supper?
It’s an evening to gather with friends old and new to pay tribute to Robert Burns with performances of his songs, readings of his poetry, and toasts, and to be part of a longstanding tradition: The first Burns Supper was in 1801.
More About the Event
What’s the refund policy?
Full refund if seven days in advance (Jan. 19).
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
No. When you RSVP through Eventbrite your name is automatically added to the guest list.
Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?
Yes. Just let the organizer know what name you’d like your ticket/s under.
Can I sing a Burns song, read a Burns poem, or make a toast or a speech?
Yes! Participation is very welcome. Please let the organizer know how you’d like to be involved.
Is this a religious event?
No. It is being held at a church for a number of reasons (including central location, price, and historic connection between Presbyterians and Scots). People of all (and no) faiths are welcome. Everyone is welcome. Invite friends!
How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Stasha Healy stashahealy [at] gmail [dot] com (The email address is written this way to prevent spambots; please write it in the usual way if you are contacting her.)
More Facts about Robert Burns
- The songs and poems of Robert Burns have been translated into more languages than any other works, except for Shakespeare and the Bible.
- 10,000 people attended Burns’ funeral when he died at age 37 on July 21, 1796.
- The Burns Supper is the largest literary festival in the world: In 1801 there was one nine-man dinner; now there are thousands of dinners around the world attended by more than nine million people. (Source: “’Every Honour Except Canonisation’: the global development of the Burns Supper: 1801 to 2009,” Clark McGinn, University of Glasgow Centre for Robert Burns Studies.)
- Burns was initiated as a Freemason on July 4, 1781. This is fitting because Burns was a supporter of America’s fight for independence (he was 17 in 1776), the French Revolution, and, of course, Scottish nationalism.
Burns’ Influence on American Writers and Songwriters
Burns’ influence on American writers and songwriters is deep: Bob Dylan has acknowledged that “A Red, Red Rose” was his single most important inspiration; John Steinbeck got the title for “Of Mice and Men” from “To a Mouse;” J.D. Salinger’s inspiration for the title “Catcher in the Rye” was Burns’ “Comin’ Through the Rye.” Even Michael Jackson was a fan — he was working on a stage production of Burns’ work when he died.
If You’re Going …
- Burns Supper is on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich, 1 West Putnam Ave. in Greenwich.
- Tickets are $65 ($75 after Dec. 31; $80 cash only at the door) and include a buffet dinner with traditional Scottish fare like haggis, neeps (turnips), and tatties (mashed potatoes); chicken will also be available. Entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, dessert, and a whisky toast are included in the price; a cash bar will be available.
- All are welcome! Find out more and reserve tickets here: BurnsSupperGreenwich2019.eventbrite.com.