robbie burns day

image by syndie a.

yesterday was robbie burn's day in scotland. burns is scotland's most "favorite bard and ploughman," and was also a poet. the following snippet is from a tribute he wrote to celebrate haggis, scotland's most famous traditional dish. the entire tribute was enthusiastically presented by a kilt-clad scotsman named steve, who then proceeded to dole out the haggis he spent the day slaving to prepare (see image of lovely haggis above).

"traditionally made from hearts, liver and lungs, today haggis is cooked liver added to a mix of oatmeal, suet pellets, dried onion, and stock. this concoction is then stuffed inside a sheep's stomach and put into a pot of boiling water. far from being a delicacy in robbie burns' day, this workman's pudding was eaten by the poet on a regular basis."

from address to a haggis

His knife see rustic Labour dight,
An' cut you up wi' ready sleight,
Trenching your gushing entrails bright,
Like ony ditch;
And then, O what a glorious sight,
Warm-reekin', rich!

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!