Piping in the Haggis

[davedove]

I'll try to get a pic or two when the time comes.

My only regret is that my wife, who wanted a Scottish wedding for our own 21 yrs ago, was denied it

I'm going out of my way to see to it that my trophy wife (the finest in the world) misses nothing! My boys and I are a plottin'...

More to come!

It's never too late! Renew your vows and this time do it up right.

[Prester John]

Hmmmm.

Well actually, there are no vows in an Orthodox Christian wedding. haha

The Bride and Groom only say two words, "yes, (Reverend Father-optional)" and "No, (Reverend Father - optional)" to two questions put to them.

Still there is a service for the celebration of an anniversary. I haven't done one since my days in Alaska. I'll have to try and find it.

Thanks for the idea! I like it!

[Doc Hudson]

Kid Cossack, a member of this board and a good friend of long standing, recently went to Sunnyvale, CA, where he and his Russian wife had their civil marriage bless in a Russian Orthodox Ceremony, and their children baptised.

[Prester John]

Thanks for the good news, Doc.

and congratulations to Kid Cossack, and his family. Welcome home!

Prester John

[MacConnachie]

taken from "The Burns Supper Companion" by Hugh Douglas.

1. Piper
2. "Haggis Bearer"
3. Escorts -- two kilted gents with broadswords on either side of HB (optional)
4. Whisky Carrier -- holds two bottles of Whisky crossed in form of Saltire above head
5. The "Addresser" of the Haggis (the one who gives the Address)

Sometimes the Chef will be asked to carry the Haggis into the dinner. The procession may "snake" through the tables and halt in front or near the head table/podium. The Haggis is placed on a small table, which has a glass or quaich (a two handled Scottish mug or cup). Whisky is poured in the glass/quaich, and then each member of the "Haggis escort" is given a sip, ending with the piper, who is supposed to shout "Slainte" (Slanj) "Your Good Health", etc. drain the glass, flip it over, and kiss the bottom. The piper and Haggis Escort then is dismissed, and the "Addresser" takes his place at the table. A large knife, a horn or spoon, and the refilled glass should be on the table as props for the address.

. . . I will be Addressing the Haggis in 2006.

Slainte!

Todd

Thanks, Todd, for the details. We have done 15 Burns' Nicht celebrations here in the Heart of the Rockies. I have been addressin' the Great Chieftain O' The Puddin' Race for a number of those years, now, and committed the Address to memory the 2nd year.

I'll have to say that our variation has elements of the one you've included above, but for the next one, I REALLY like the image of the crossed bottles of whisky. Am I safe in assuming that those would be single malt?

Mac

[macwilkin]

Thanks, Todd, for the details. We have done 15 Burns' Nicht celebrations here in the Heart of the Rockies. I have been addressin' the Great Chieftain O' The Puddin' Race for a number of those years, now, and committed the Address to memory the 2nd year.

I'll have to say that our variation has elements of the one you've included above, but for the next one, I REALLY like the image of the crossed bottles of whisky. Am I safe in assuming that those would be single malt?

Mac

Sigh...I was afraid someone would ask that! ;)

Given current local alcohol laws, most hotels, restuarants and other Burns Night venues are very wary of allowing folks to bring their own "bottles o' the best" in tae the festivities -- so we usually end up "borrowing" bottles from the bar, which are always Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, or a blend -- though I would much prefer The Macallan! :mrgreen:

Always nice to have another Burnsian around here -- whereabouts are you in the Rockies?

Cheers,

Todd