Quote Originally Posted by Chas View Post
As far as I understand, the life and works of Burns used to be celebrated on the anniversary of his death, 21st of July. This year I went to a Burns Supper on the 25th, but many societies hold theirs on the nearest Friday or Saturday evening. If one is just going to celebrate the life of Burns that can be done on any day of the year. It doesn't really matter if the day falls on his birthday or not.

For me it's the social event. I don't have enough occasions to go kilted, so every one counts. I will be going to Burns Night II in Dumfries in March. There will be good food and good friends and there will be Burns.

Regards

Chas
According to the noted Burnsian the late Hugh Douglas, the celebration of Burns's works was held on the 21st of July, but at some point, gatherings switched to the date of his birth. One of the first was held by the sergeant's mess of the Argyll Militia in 1801, which marched to the "auld clay biggin" with a band to honour the memory of Burns -- ironically, Burns' home had been turned into an ale-house, which proved most convenient for the attendees!

T.