Every year on January 25th, Scotland and people around the world celebrate Burns Night in honor of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet. Burns Night is not only a great way to learn about Scottish culture but also a fun occasion for school activities that teach kids about poetry, history, and traditions in an engaging way.
Whether you’re hosting a Burns Night celebration at home, in school, or in your community, there are plenty of exciting things to explore. From delicious food to famous poems and songs, Burns Night is a wonderful opportunity to introduce kids to Scottish heritage through fun stories, music, and even crafts. Let’s dive into what makes this day so special!
Table of Contents
What Is Burns Night?
Burns Night is a celebration of Robert Burns, one of Scotland’s most famous poets. Known as the “Bard of Ayrshire,” he was born on January 25, 1759, and wrote hundreds of poems and songs that has been loved for centuries.
Burns Night started as a way for his friends to remember him after he passed away in 1796. Over time, it became a national celebration in Scotland and beyond.
One of Burns’ most famous works is the song “Auld Lang Syne,” which people often sing on New Year’s Eve.
While there is no formal greeting for Burns Night, people generally say “Sláinte Mhath” to one another. This is pronounced “slanj’-uh va” and translates as “Good Health!”.
Burns Night is a chance to celebrate the poet’s legacy with music, poetry, and traditional Scottish food. It’s a night filled with culture and fun, perfect for kids to learn about history in an interactive way.
A Typical Burns Night Supper
The centerpiece of Burns Night is the Burns Supper, a traditional meal enjoyed with family and friends.
Soup
The meal usually begins with a soup, such as Scotch broth or cock-a-leekie soup. Find a recipe here.
Haggis
Then comes the star of the show: haggis!
This savory dish, made from sheep’s offal mixed with oats and spices, might sound unusual, but it’s a Scottish favorite. For kids, there are often haggis alternatives like sausages or vegetarian haggis.
The haggis is brought to the table with great ceremony, accompanied by bagpipe music and the recitation of Burns’ poem, “Address to a Haggis.“
Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face,
Great Chieftain o’ the Puddin-race!
Aboon them a’ ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm:
Weel are ye wordy of a grace
As lang ‘s my arm.
The groaning trencher there ye fill,
Your hurdies like a distant hill,
Your pin wad help to mend a mill
In time o’ need,
While thro’ your pores the dews distil
Like amber bead.
His knife see Rustic-labour dight,
An’ cut ye up wi’ ready slight,
Trenching your gushing entrails bright,
Like onie ditch;
And then, O what a glorious sight,
Warm-reekin, rich!
Then, horn for horn, they stretch an’ strive:
Deil tak the hindmost, on they drive,
Till a’ their weel-swall’d kytes belyve
Are bent like drums;
Then auld Guidman, maist like to rive,
Bethankit hums.
Is there that owre his French ragout,
Or olio that wad staw a sow,
Or fricassee wad mak her spew
Wi’ perfect sconner,
Looks down wi’ sneering, scornfu’ view
On sic a dinner?
Poor devil! see him owre his trash,
As feckless as a wither’d rash,
His spindle shank a guid whip-lash,
His nieve a nit;
Thro’ bluidy flood or field to dash,
O how unfit!
But mark the Rustic, haggis-fed,
The trembling earth resounds his tread,
Clap in his walie nieve a blade,
He’ll make it whissle;
An’ legs, an’ arms, an’ heads will sned,
Like taps o’ thrissle.
Ye Pow’rs wha mak mankind your care,
And dish them out their bill o’ fare,
Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware
That jaups in luggies;
But, if ye wish her gratefu’ prayer,
Gie her a Haggis!
Dessert
After the meal, desserts like cranachan (a mix of whipped cream, honey, oatmeal, and berries) are served.
The evening also includes poetry recitals, singing, and dancing—making it a lively event for all ages.
Burns Night Activities
Burns Night isn’t just about food and poetry—it’s also about having fun!
Here are three activities that kids will enjoy:
1
Sing along to Auld Lang Syne
No Burns Night is complete without singing “Auld Lang Syne,” one of Robert Burns’ most famous songs.
Gather everyone together, hold hands in a circle, and sing this classic tune. It’s a great way to bring people together and teach kids the value of friendship and togetherness.
Lyrics :
1. Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and days of auld lang syne?
For days of auld lang syne,
for days of auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for days of auld lang syne.
2. And surely you’ll buy your pint cup!
and surely I’ll buy mine!
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for days of auld lang syne.
For days of auld lang syne, my dear,
for days of auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for days of auld lang syne.
3. We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
We’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since days of auld lang syne.
For days of auld lang syne,
for days of auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for days of auld lang syne.
4. We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun to night;
But seas between us broad have roared
since days of auld lang syne.
For days of auld lang syne, my dear,
for days of auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for days of auld lang syne.
5. And there’s a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for days of auld lang syne.
For days of auld lang syne, my dear,
for days of auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for days of auld lang syne.
2
Read “O My Luve’s Like a Red, Red Rose“
Robert Burns’ poem, “O My Luve’s Like a Red, Red Rose,” is a perfect introduction to poetry for kids. You can take turns reading the poem aloud or even act it out. Here’s how it goes:
O my Luve’s like a red, red rose,
That’s newly sprung in June:
O my Luve’s like the melodie,
That’s sweetly play’d in tune.
As fair art thou, my bonie lass,
So deep in luve am I;
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a’ the seas gang dry.
Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi’ the sun;
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
While the sands o’ life shall run.
And fare-thee-weel, my only Luve!
And fare-thee-weel, a while!
And I will come again, my Luve,
Tho’ ’twere ten thousand mile!
Robert Burns
3
Craft Your Own Burns Night Decorations
Get creative by making Burns Night decorations.
Kids can design their own tartan patterns using paper and markers or create thistle crafts (Scotland’s national flower) with green and purple tissue paper.
Click on the images for printable PDF files
You could also make simple Scottish flags or create posters featuring quotes from Robert Burns’ poems. It’s a fun way for kids to express themselves while learning about Scottish culture.
Burns Night is a celebration full of history, culture, and creativity, making it the perfect occasion to engage kids in meaningful and enjoyable activities. Whether they’re singing songs, reciting poetry, or trying traditional food, Burns Night is an experience they’ll never forget!
Liked it? Pin it!
Did you like this post? Rate it!
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading...
Best School Event Ideas that Students (and Teachers) Will Love – Activity Calendar
You may also like:
Ways to Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day at School
40 School-Age Friendship Quotes for Kids to Cherish a Valuable Life Bond
