For those of you that do not know, my mother-in-law is from Scotland. Every year we attend a banquet for the birthday of Robert Burns, Scotland’s famous poet. I thought I would share some of the fun events the Daughters of Caledonia worked hard for us to enjoy.
First they must pipe in the Haggis. Haggis is a savoury pudding containing sheep’s heart, liver, etc. and mixed with onions and spices. Traditionally, the Haggis was encased in the animal’s stomach for cooking but today sausage is used in place of sheep’s pluck and an artificial casing is used instead.
After the Haggis is serenaded in there is an address to the Haggis. This is my favorite part of the ceremony because the speaker is usually very animated when reciting the address. I will try to post the video at a later date.
Second, we have a nice dinner, (we are also served chicken).
Third, there is plenty of toasting, singing, Scottish dancing and bagpipes.
I leave you with a brief glimpse at the immortal words of Robert Burns.
“My love is like a red, red rose
That’s newly sprung in June:
My love is like the melody
That’s sweetly played in tune.
How fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in love am I;
And I will love thee still, my dear,
Till all the seas gang dry.
Till all the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt with the sun;
I will love thee still, my dear,
While the sands of life shall run.
And fare thee weel, my only love.
And fare thee weel awhile!
And I will come again, my love,
Though it were ten thousand mile.”
― Robert Burns
Forever Crazy,
Janet Leigh
