Burn's Day (including haggis)

Erin wearing her Texas tartan.

Last Saturday we got to celebrate our first official holiday since arriving in Scotland. This is not a holiday that everyone gets off of work, but it is still exciting none the less. On January 25th, the nation celebrates the birth of the great poet Robert Burns. A traditional Burn's dinner is served containing haggis, mashed potatoes, and something containing mushed up carrots and turnips. The evening usually includes the reading of his poems, singing of "Auld Lang Syne," (which he wrote) and a wee dram of whiskey.



Since the 25th fell on a Tuesday, our church decided to have a Burn's dinner the following Saturday along with a Ceilidh. A Ceilidh is a traditional Scottish dance, kind of like going to a large square dance, only with kilts. There are numerous dances, some for couples and some        for the whole group. One of the highlights of the evening had to include when everyone stood at the beginning as the haggis was brought in to the room and Robert Burn's poem "Address to a Haggis" was read. (Adress to a Haggis)


We did in fact try haggis for the very first time. I think the nausea Erin felt afterwards speaks for her feelings of the dish. I didn't mind it as much as I thought I would. It turns out that eating the leftover parts of a lamb ground up is not the worse part, the worst part is the oatmeal that's added to it. We've been told that unless we showed proof that we ate haggis than it never really happened. Here's your proof.