...where distraction is the main attraction.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

'Tis Robert Burns Day

Source: wikipedia!
Today is Robbie Burns Day, often celebrated with a supper of haggis, dancing, poetry reading, and whisky toasts.  I would have loved to have gone to the LA Scotch Club's celebration, but it's in Pasadena and I know for a fact that I would not make it home alive.  So I'm going to have a dram or two at The Daily Pint and read some Scottish poetry at home.  I'm haggis-free this year......so far.

Widely considered in Scotland as their best home-grown poet, Robert Burns was born on 25 January 1759 and passed on a short thirty-seven years later on 21 July 1796.  Often writing in the Scots tongue, he fashioned straightforward Romantic poetry influenced by both old Scotch folk songs and contemporary social concerns.  He's held in particular fancy by the Scottish people since he'd grown up hungry and poor amongst multiple failing farms before his strong passionate artistic voice led him out of the squalor.

His "Scots Wha Hae" was the unofficial Scottish anthem for a long time too.  Here in The States, we would know him from "Auld Lang Syne."

You know what?  You should really go to the official Scotland-run Robert Burns site where an actor gives a cracking turn as Robbie himself, detailing the history of the man.  It's great edutainment!

So in honor of Robbie, please enjoy your evening.  Safely.

Source