It’s January 25th today, in places where many residents with Scottish heritage, there will be celebrations tonight, many non Scottish would be invited to join too. And it’s truly an amazing and lovely experience. At the close, everyone will stand, join hands and sing “ Auld Land Syne”(old long since) as following:
Should old acquaintance be forgotten,
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And days of auld lang syne?
Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For 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.
(Chorus)
3. We two have run about the slopes,
And picked the daisies fine;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
Since days of auld lang syne.
(Chorus)
4. We two have paddled in the stream,
From morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
Since days of auld lang syne.
(Chorus)
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.
(Chorus)
Question: Describe “ Burns night”.
ChatGPT:
Burns Night is a celebration held annually on January 25th to commemorate the life and work of the Scottish poet Robert Burns, who is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland. This event marks Burns’ birthday and is celebrated with various traditions, including:
- Supper: A traditional Burns supper includes Scottish dishes, most notably haggis (a savory pudding containing sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, encased in the animal’s stomach), served with neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes).
- Recitations: People recite Burns’ poetry. His most famous work, “Auld Lang Syne,” is often sung at the end of the night.
- Address to the Haggis: A highlight of the evening where a recitation of Burns’ poem “Address to a Haggis” is performed, typically with great ceremony. The haggis is often brought into the room on a silver platter to the sound of bagpipes.
- Toasts: There are several toasts throughout the evening, including the “Toast to the Lassies” and the “Reply to the Laddies,” providing light-hearted entertainment.
- Music and Dancing: Traditional Scottish music and dancing, such as ceilidh dancing, often feature in Burns Night celebrations.
Burns Night events can range from formal gatherings to casual get-togethers and are celebrated not just in Scotland but by Scottish communities around the world. The night is an important part of Scottish culture, honoring the legacy of Robert Burns and celebrating Scottish heritage.
Question: How long has burns night being celebrated?
ChatGPT:
Burns Night has been celebrated since shortly after the death of Robert Burns in 1796. The first Burns supper was held in 1801 by the poet’s friends on the fifth anniversary of his death, July 21, at Burns Cottage in Alloway. However, they later decided to hold the celebration on Burns’ birthday, January 25, and it has been celebrated on this date ever since.
The tradition has grown over the years and is now a significant event in Scottish culture, with Burns suppers being held not only in Scotland but around the world wherever Scottish communities are found. Burns Night has been celebrated for over 220 years, and it continues to be an occasion for remembering and honoring the life and work of Robert Burns.
Question: Do most commonwealth countries perform the celebration?
ChatGPT:
Burns Night is celebrated in many Commonwealth countries, but the extent and nature of the celebrations can vary widely. In countries with a significant Scottish diaspora, such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, Burns Night is more commonly observed. Celebrations often include Burns suppers, Scottish music, dancing, and recitations of Burns’ poetry, similar to those held in Scotland.
However, in many other Commonwealth countries, Burns Night might not be as widely recognized or celebrated, especially in nations without a substantial Scottish community. The celebration of Burns Night is largely driven by cultural and historical connections to Scotland, so its observance tends to be more prominent in places where those connections are stronger.
Overall, while Burns Night is observed in several Commonwealth countries, its prevalence and the scale of celebrations can vary significantly depending on the local Scottish influence and the level of interest in Scottish heritage and culture.
Question: List the poem “ Address to a haggis”.
ChatGPT:
“Address to a Haggis” is a poem written by Robert Burns in 1786, often recited during Burns Night as the haggis is brought to the table. Here is the poem:
Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o’ the pudding-race!
Aboon them a’ ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm:
Weel are ye wordy o’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 you up wi’ ready slight,
Trenching your gushing entrails bright,
Like ony 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 o’er his French ragout
Or olio that wad staw a sow,
Or fricassee wad make her spew
Wi’ perfect sconner,
Looks down wi’ sneering, scornfu’ view
On sic a dinner?
Poor devil! see him ower his trash,
As feckles as wither’d rash,
His spindle shank, a guid whip-lash;
His nieve a nit;
Thro’ bloody 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 mak 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!
The poem is a humorous ode to haggis, often delivered with much theatrical flair during Burns suppers. It praises the haggis as the epitome of Scottish cuisine, comparing it favorably to other, more sophisticated dishes. The poem is written in Scots, the vernacular language of Scotland, which contributes to its unique charm and character.
Question: List the wording of the toasts “ Toast to the Lassies”, and the “ Reply to the Laddies”.
ChatGPT:
The “Toast to the Lassies” and the “Reply to the Laddies” are traditional speeches given during a Burns Night supper. However, there are no fixed texts for these toasts, as they are typically humorous and lighthearted, often improvised or personally written by the speakers for each specific event.
- Toast to the Lassies: Originally, this toast was intended as a thank you to the women who had prepared the Burns Night supper. Over time, it has evolved into a speech that humorously comments on the qualities of women, often relating to modern life and relationships, and may include references to the works of Robert Burns. It is usually delivered by a male guest.
- Reply to the Laddies: This is the women’s chance to respond to the “Toast to the Lassies.” Delivered by a female guest, this toast also features humorous and witty observations about men, often turning the tables on the points raised in the “Toast to the Lassies.” Like the previous toast, it may also include references to Burns’ poems and songs.
Both toasts are meant to be in good spirit, highlighting the fun and camaraderie of the evening. They are an integral part of Burns Night, adding a playful and entertaining element to the celebrations.
Question: List some well known quotes about friendship by Robert Burns.
ChatGPT:
Robert Burns, known for his poignant and often humorous observations, wrote several lines and quotes about friendship. Here are some well-known quotes about friendship from his works:
- “Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne?” – from “Auld Lang Syne”
- “But to see her was to love her, Love but her, and love forever.” – from “Ae Fond Kiss”
- “Then let us pray that come it may, (As come it will for a’ that,) That Sense and Worth, o’er a’ the earth, Shall bear the gree, an’ a’ that. For a’ that, an’ a’ that, It’s coming yet for a’ that, That Man to Man, the world o’er, Shall brothers be for a’ that.” – from “Is There for Honest Poverty,” also known as “A Man’s A Man for A’ That”
- “O wad some Power the giftie gie us To see oursels as ithers see us! It wad frae mony a blunder free us, An’ foolish notion.” – from “To a Louse”
- “Ye hypocrites! are these your pranks? To murder men and give God thanks! Desist, for shame! – proceed no further; God won’t accept your thanks for Murther!” – from “The Ordination”
These quotes reflect Burns’ views on friendship, love, equality, self-awareness, and hypocrisy, highlighting his deep understanding of human nature and relationships.
