Scotland's national poet Robert Burns

4 January 2012

Scotland's national poet Robert Burns is celebrated every year on his birthday, January 25, by people the world over.

Burns (1759 - 1796) was born in Ayshire, Scotland, and rose from humble beginnings on his father's farm to become one of the world's best-loved poets.

His works include 'To a Mouse', Tam o' Shanter' and what is arguably the most famous song in the world today 'Auld Lang Syne', which is traditionally sung to mark the beginning of a New Year. The song has been translated into Chinese where it is frequently sung at student graduation ceremonies to symbolise friendship.

The poet's memory is commemorated every year in the form of Burns Suppers where people gather on or near what is known as 'Burns Night' to mark the poet's contribution to Scottish culture and creativity. These take place the world over, from Russia and the USA to China where an annual Burns Supper celebration is held by the Beijing Caledonian Society.  

Burns Suppers can take many shapes and sizes from small intimate gatherings to large formal affairs. The centrepiece of any Burns Supper menu is the haggis, a traditional Scottish dish, washed down with Scotch whisky.

The main thing that every Burns supper has in common is a desire for people to gather together to honour the poet's work and find inspiration in his lasting values of empathy and humanity.

Robert Burns facts:

  • After Queen Victoria and Christopher Columbus, Robert Burns has more statues dedicated to him around the world than any other non-religious figure.
  • American writer J.D. Salinger’s famous 1951 novel ‘Catcher in the Rye’ based its title from a poem by Robert Burns' ‘Comin' Thro' the Rye’.
  • The Soviet Union was the first country in the world to honour Burns with a commemorative stamp, marking the 160th anniversary of his death in 1956.
  • A translation of ‘My Hearts in the Highlands’ was adopted as the marching song of Chinese resistance fighters in the Second World War.
  • American singer and songwriter Bob Dylan selected Burns' 1794 song 'A Red, Red Rose' when asked for the source of his greatest creative inspiration.

Find out more about Robert Burns

Beijing Caledonian Society