Tonight is Robbie Burns Night, also known as Burns Night, a celebration of the life and poetry of Robert Burns, a famous Scottish poet who lived in the 18th century. The event which was first held in 1801, is typically on January 25th, which is the anniversary of Burns’ birth. Traditionally these celebrations involve eating haggis, lots of singing, dancing, playing the bagpipes, and sharing poems and stories late into the night. Burns is considered one of Scotland’s greatest poets, and his work is celebrated not only for its literary merit but also for its connections to the supernatural.
One of Burns’ most famous works is “Tam o’ Shanter,” a long narrative poem that tells the story of a drunken farmer named Tam who encounters witches and other supernatural beings while riding home on horseback. The poem is filled with vivid descriptions of the supernatural and is considered one of Burns’ most powerful works. It masterfully blends the supernatural with the everyday, creating a world where witches and other supernatural creatures are part of the fabric of society. This blending of the supernatural with the real world is a common theme in Burns’ work.
Robbie Burns by Jim Dean
Burns Mausoleum, Dumfries, Scotland
Another aspect of Burns’ poetry that is connected to the supernatural is his use of traditional Scottish folklore. Many of Burns’ poems are steeped in the legends and myths of Scotland, and he often uses these stories to add depth and meaning to his work. For example, in “The Twa Dogs,” Burns tells the story of two dogs, one belonging to a rich farmer and the other to a poor ploughman. The poem is not only a commentary on class and wealth, but also on the Scottish folklore of shape-shifting animals.
Burns’ connection to the supernatural also extends to his personal life. He was known to have an interest in the occult and was a member of a secret society called the “Crochallan Fencibles,” whose members were known for their interest in the supernatural.
In addition to his connections to the supernatural, Burns’ poetry is also celebrated for its strong sense of nationalism. His work often deals with the struggles and difficulties faced by the Scottish people, and he is often seen as a symbol of Scottish identity. This connection to Scotland is also evident in the celebration of Burns Night, which is a way for people to come together and celebrate Scottish culture and heritage.