Burns Night 2010

25 January is the poet Robert Burns birthday. A national hero of sorts here, he is affectionately referred to by most as just Robbie or Rabbie. (Isn't it awesome that a country's national hero can be a poet??) Every year on his birthday most folks celebrate by having a 'Burns supper' of haggis and neeps and tatties all washed down by whisky. ('Neeps and tatties'= mashed turnips and potatoes, 'whisky'= Scotch)

Along with the eating is recitation of different Burns' poems. Most importantly 'Address to a Haggis'. This is recited before tucking into the haggis. I found a fun website that tells you more than you may ever want to know about it.
http://www.worldburnsclub.com/begin/address_to_a_haggis.htm

Now, what do I think about haggis? My Burns supper was the second time I had tried it. I think it is quite good. Slightly spicy flavours and a strange, but not unpleasant texture. Combined with the starchy neep and tatties and a dram (or two) of whisky, it is just what the doctor ordered on a cold, dark January night. Thanks, Robbie!

***The photo above is haggis and my own creation 'leeks and tatties'. (heehee) Not what I actually consumed at my Burns supper...didn't take pics at that, but wanted to show the general effect.

Guy Fawkes and Bonfire Night

"Remember, remember the fifth of November,
The gunpowder treason and plot,
I know of no reason
Why the gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot."

I celebrated my first distinctly British holiday on Thursday! Well, not really a holiday, but there were fireworks! No bonfires, alas. And I kept on hoping there was some song or ritual or something, but my British friends didn't know of any. Reading online (good ol' Wikipedia), I discovered that kids used to make an effigy of Guy and knock on doors asking for money--I guess to buy fireworks? And at the end of the day burn the effigy. And the light the fireworks. Here's a little more info on Fawkes: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes

Now, according to the article attached below, Halloween has become more popular and more profitable. Strict regulations are part of the reason for the decline in popularity of bonfire night. Of course, Halloween in the States is not what it used to be either with everyone afraid of candy from strangers.

http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE5A43XE20091105?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=11604