Burns night

[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!

[macwilkin]

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]

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]

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]

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

[thescot]

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.

Pity.

I go the Burns suppers--in fact have hosted one for the past four years--because I love the entire event. I originally attended to be with friends in my clan society and because I had a passing interest in Burns.

But as I listened and learned and then studied and researched, I became quite an admirer and ardent fan. I have found in Burns a depth of feeling and perception--not to mention his other pursuits and contributions--that translate well through the centuries.

Burns was a good man and complex. He was sometimes a romantic and sometimes a realist, a lover and perhaps a lecher. In fact, he was pretty much like all men: a mix of admirable, less than admirable, and undesireable. but I am quite certain that the good parts outweighed the bad.

Raphael, I sincerely hope that you can somehow find your way to tackle the more demanding pursuits of literature. The effort will be worth it if you do, and you will find it much more satisfying and lasting than sports and video games. I say this at the risk of sounding pedagogic or condescending; it is not intended to be that. I only wish to share the small bit of wisdom that I have paid for with dear coinage. In youth we learn; in age we understand.

I attend Burns Suppers in order to celebrate and share a love of Burns, hoping that those present will catch at least a small whiff of the aroma of his genius and contributions to the human race. He really was one of those who burned twice as brightly but only for a short time.

Dare I suggest that if you don't like Burns it's because you don't know him?

. . . O whither, O whither shall I turn!
All friendless, forsaken, forlorn!
For, in this world, Rest or Peace
I never more shall know!
And it's O, fickle Fortune, O!

[Raphael]

Pity.

I go the Burns suppers--in fact have hosted one for the past four years--because I love the entire event. I originally attended to be with friends in my clan society and because I had a passing interest in Burns.

But as I listened and learned and then studied and researched, I became quite an admirer and ardent fan. I have found in Burns a depth of feeling and perception--not to mention his other pursuits and contributions--that translate well through the centuries.

Burns was a good man and complex. He was sometimes a romantic and sometimes a realist, a lover and perhaps a lecher. In fact, he was pretty much like all men: a mix of admirable, less than admirable, and undesireable. but I am quite certain that the good parts outweighed the bad.

Raphael, I sincerely hope that you can somehow find your way to tackle the more demanding pursuits of literature. The effort will be worth it if you do, and you will find it much more satisfying and lasting than sports and video games. I say this at the risk of sounding pedagogic or condescending; it is not intended to be that. I only wish to share the small bit of wisdom that I have paid for with dear coinage. In youth we learn; in age we understand.

I attend Burns Suppers in order to celebrate and share a love of Burns, hoping that those present will catch at least a small whiff of the aroma of his genius and contributions to the human race. He really was one of those who burned twice as brightly but only for a short time.

Dare I suggest that if you don't like Burns it's because you don't know him?

. . . O whither, O whither shall I turn!
All friendless, forsaken, forlorn!
For, in this world, Rest or Peace
I never more shall know!
And it's O, fickle Fortune, O!

You are right. I don't know Burns, but I have to admit that I want to learn about this man and his word. He has captured many people's heart and I definitely would like to know more about his magic.

However, I don't think this is the right time for me. Perhaps in the future. I have my reason to delay it.

[Chas]

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

[macwilkin]

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.