Burns night

**Raphael** · 29th January 10, 11:42 AM

I have seen many of you have attended Burns night Supper in the recent weeks and I wonder what does that mean to you. Is this just a social event for you or are you doing it to celebrate the poet's life and his influence on Scotland.

I am not going to lie and say that I go to the annual supper because of Burns. I go to the dinner because it is an annual social event and it is also a fund raiser. Although I doubt that I will continue my involvement in the future years as I no longer believe in that fund raiser any more. I also don't read poetry because I don't understand them.

**Macman** · 29th January 10, 11:58 AM

I'd have to be honest and say that I, along with probably most of the attendees, think of it more as a Scottish celebration event rather than a celebration of the man and his poetry. It is also the major annual fund raiser for our pipe band. I get my haggis fix as well!

**macwilkin** · 29th January 10, 12:01 PM

As a Burns purist, it makes me sad to see a Burns Supper become a de facto Scottish Night that only pays lip service to the man and his work -- which by the way, his collection of songs and his work as a proto-ethnomusicologist is just as significant as his own works.

While Burns may be difficult to understand at first, with a little bit of study, it becomes very clear that the sentiment behind the words is still relevant today.

T.

**Ozark Ridge Rider** · 29th January 10, 01:46 PM

Originally Posted by cajunscot

As a Burns purist, it makes me sad to see a Burns Supper become a de facto Scottish Night that only pays lip service to the man and his work -- which by the way, his collection of songs and his work as a proto-ethnomusicologist is just as significant as his own works.

While Burns may be difficult to understand at first, with a little bit of study, it becomes very clear that the sentiment behind the words is still relevant today.

T.

Not to mention how much of Burns' work is still part of our common vernacular today.

Dan

**GMan** · 29th January 10, 02:31 PM

First off I went for the social aspect. Yet as time goes on I began to understand the richness of it all.

**Jack Daw** · 29th January 10, 12:32 PM

Most years, the speaker selected for the "Immortal Memory" for our Burns Supper has been from Scotland and the topic has been the typical American-Scottish relations, etc. This year, we had a Houstonian from an affiliated Burns Appreciation Club. He chose to sing excerpts from the bard's poetry that had been set to music. It was excellent!

**macwilkin** · 29th January 10, 12:37 PM

Originally Posted by Jack Daw

Most years, the speaker selected for the "Immortal Memory" for our Burns Supper has been from Scotland and the topic has been the typical American-Scottish relations, etc. This year, we had a Houstonian from an affiliated Burns Appreciation Club. He chose to sing excerpts from the bard's poetry that had been set to music. It was excellent!

T.

**Panache** · 29th January 10, 01:10 PM

I enjoy Burns' Night for a variety of reasons.

It is often formal event, and frankly there are far too few of these nowadays.

It is a de facto celebration of Scottish culture with a chance to enjoy wonderful Scottish attire, cuisine, drink, verse, and and music

It is a chance to gather in good fellowship and share in a common bond

AND

Considering how very few adults give though to any sort of poetry, It is wonderful that at least once a year people take the time to recite, read, think about, and appreciate poetry.

Robert Burns was a very complex and interesting guy. In his short life he certainly made a huge impact and became a symbol of Scottish Identity. I may not be a Burns' purist but each Burns' Night Supper I learn and appreciate a little more about his work.

As for the language issue...

Raphael, somethings are worth the effort!

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

**Raphael** · 29th January 10, 03:33 PM

Originally Posted by Panache

As for the language issue...

Raphael, somethings are worth the effort!

I am just not a very cultural person. I rather watch sports, action movies, video games, and play sports. When I read, I only read horror, action and true crime. Poetry isn't my cup of tea.

**Panache** · 29th January 10, 06:33 PM

Originally Posted by Raphael

When I read, I only read horror...

Again, sometimes the effort is well worth it.

Stephen King and his contemporaries are pretty good, but why not try something a little more challenging and read some H.P. Lovecraft? Not an easy read by today's standards but there are shivers to be had in his tales that are worth the effort.

Cheers

Jamie