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2nd August 05, 06:30 PM
#10
I gave this to John in a PM, but I'm posting it here for general consumption:
Here is the usual running order of a Burns Supper with brief explanatory notes:
Grace
Once all the guests are gathered the supper usually starts with the host reciting Burns’ Selkirk Grace.
The first course is then served: traditionally Cullen Skink or Cock-a-Leekie soup.
The Piping of the Haggis
When the first course is finished and cleared away the main course, the haggis or ‘pudden’ is ceremoniously brought to the table preceded by a piper playing "Brose and Butter" or some other light Scots tune (Any light march will do). The haggis on its ‘groaning trencher’ is laid before the host.
Address to a Haggis
A previously designated guest (ideally one possessing verve) then recites Burns’ famous poem at the haggis. This humorous, earthy poem is, of course, the raison d’être for the haggis taking pride of place on the menu.
The poem ends with the reader enthusiastically slicing open the haggis with a knife (or, if in possession of one, a ceremonial dirk).
The main course is then served, traditionally with neeps and tatties (turnips/swede and mashed potatoes) and accompanied by wine, beer or whisky.
The traditional dessert is Tipsy Laird (sherry trifle), followed by coffee.
Interlude – Song
Before the speeches, and whilst the meal is being cleared away, is a good opportunity to have a rendition of a Burns song or two. Piping can be substituted here, with what pipers call "light music"
Immortal Memory
The Immortal Memory address, given either by the host, an invited speaker or a learned guest is the ‘serious’ part of the evening. The address should be a speech addressing some aspect of Burns’ life, work or lasting influence. It can be academic or personal but it should aspire to touch the hearts and minds of the gathering.
Toast to the Lassies/Reply from the Lassies
It’s traditional at this point for a male guest (one of the laddies) to deliver a light-hearted, teasing toast to the lassies which usually involves a tongue-in-cheek list of the shortcomings of the fairer sex. The men should be wary, however, as a spokeswoman for the ‘lassies’ then gets the opportunity to reply with (an equally tongue-in-cheek) list of the shortcomings of the baser sex!
Tam O’Shanter (or Holy Willie’s Prayer)
To round off the speeches it’s customary for a guest with a gift for storytelling and a good memory to recite one of Burns’ great narrative poems, Tam O’Shanter or Holy Willie’s Prayer. The first is an atmospheric account of a drunken man’s encounter with some witches (imagined or otherwise) and the second is the ‘overheard’ highly amusing (decidedly unchristian) prayer of a bad loser and none-too-blameless church elder.
Ceilidh and Auld Lang Syne
The evening traditionally finishes with a ceilidh – Scottish Country Dancing, songs and poems (Burns or otherwise). When it’s time to go, everyone gathers in a circle, holds hands and sings Burns’ immortal hymn to friendship – Auld Lang Syne (first and last verses with two choruses).
I hope this helps!
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