Robert Burns & Hogmanay — Scottish Culture
A P3–P6 resource on Robert Burns — his life, his poetry, Burns Night traditions — and Hogmanay (Scottish New Year), its traditions (first footing, Auld Lang Syne), and their place in Scottish identity.
Preview
Page count: 3. Print-ready PDF — letter / A4 friendly. Click image to see all pages.
Robert Burns (1759–1796)
- 1 Robert Burns — life Scotland's national poet. Born in Alloway, Ayrshire. Son of a tenant farmer. Self-educated. Wrote in both Scots and English. Died aged 37.
- 2 His poetry 'Auld Lang Syne' (known worldwide), 'To a Mouse' (tender poem to a field mouse disturbed by his plough — 'The best laid plans o' mice an' men gang aft agley'), 'Address to a Haggis', 'A Red Red Rose', 'Tam o' Shanter'.
- 3 Burns Night (25 January) Annual celebration of Burns's birthday (1759). Burns suppers feature haggis (addressed with the 'Address to a Haggis'), neeps and tatties, whisky, poetry readings, the Immortal Memory speech, and dancing.
- 4 Burns's legacy Celebrated in more countries than virtually any other poet. Burns Night celebrated in Russia, China, Canada, and across the world. A global symbol of Scotland.
Hogmanay — Scottish New Year
- 1 Hogmanay New Year in Scotland is a bigger celebration than Christmas — a tradition dating to when Christmas was suppressed by the Presbyterian Kirk and New Year took its place as the main winter festival.
- 2 First footing The first person to enter your house after midnight on New Year's Day. Traditionally should be a tall, dark-haired man carrying gifts: coal, shortbread, whisky, salt. First footing brings luck for the year.
- 3 Auld Lang Syne Burns's poem, set to a traditional melody. Sung at midnight on New Year's Eve worldwide. 'Auld lang syne' means 'old long since' — roughly, 'for old times' sake'. Scotland gave this song to the world.
- 4 Edinburgh Hogmanay The Edinburgh Hogmanay street party is one of the world's largest New Year celebrations — approximately 75,000 people.
Learning objective
Describe Robert Burns's life and most famous works; explain Burns Night traditions; understand Hogmanay and first footing; and know why Hogmanay is larger than Christmas in Scotland's tradition.
About this resource
Robert Burns and Scottish culture
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Burns resources
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S Selected Poems of Robert Burns (illustrated children's edition) — Robert Burns
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B Burns Night classroom pack — poems and activities
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