From haggis to toasts: 8 Burns night traditions and their origins

By Rosalind Erskine

Published 6th Jan 2020, 11:51 GMT

January 25 is considered Scotland’s ‘other national day’ alongside St Andrew’s Day in late November – but what are the origins of the traditions observed?

Whether in a formal Burns Supper club setting, or just toasting with a dram at home, Burns’ Night gives the whole country a chance to reflect on our contribution to the world. Traditions of that night still exist today, and from the entertainment to the cuisine, we look at the origins of those special things that mark Burns night.

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. The date

There were actually two potential dates for some of Burns contemporaries to honour him, with an informal gathering in Alloway, where Burns Cottage had been turned into an alehouse.

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. January and July celebrations

According to Oxford University, that first gathering, organised by the Ayrshire Guild of Shoemakers, took place on January 29th, which they erroneously thought to be Burns birthday. A later event was held in July.