Slaying the haggis

I was recently invited to an interesting event entitled "A Robert Burns Supper". The only prerequisite for the guests was to wear a bit of tartan, Scottish for plaid. I began the evening with a bit of Scotch Whiskey and a chat with a nice fellow dressed in a kilt.

If you are wondering, as I was, who this Robert Burns character is, you may be surprised to know that in America he is the man with the most statues dedicated to him. He is none other than Scotland's national poet and the writer of our beloved New Year's tune, Auld Lang Syne.

As the evening progressed, there were rumours of a haggis in the building and the intention to 'slay' it. There was also talk of something called "stripping the willow" and madrigal singing.

If you think I may be making all of this up, you should check out the Robert Burns home page. In it, you will see his poem Address to a Haggis.

As it drew near haggis time, we were all invited to sit down at tables. Then we were asked to stand up. Then we were to recite the aforementioned ode to the haggis. The suspense continued to build. Shortly thereafter, the haggis was brought in, and indeed, the ceremonial sword was raised. The haggis was slain. Gradually, a smell came creeping insidiously across the room. It smelled like liverwurst, but several times more potent. I had witnessed haggis for the first time in my life. It was a large haggis, more than a pound of sheep's parts. Some people tried to eat it. It was then set hopefully on the buffet table where it remained untouched for the rest of the night.

After that, we listened to some beautiful madrigal songs, written by Robert Burns himself. After that, there was riotous dancing to Scottish music. Lot's of hand holding and clapping and skipping and laughing. It was wonderful.

If you are looking to have similar festivities in your neck of the woods, you will have to wait until next year. The official Robert Burns Supper day is January 25th.