Thursday Tea Things And Talk, Burns Night, Tartan Tea Items

Hello and welcome to Thursday Tea Things And Talk!

My post today is focused on the tradition of Burns Night, the meals and festivities focused on the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns, that are celebrated in various fashions around January 25th, his birthday.

Robert Burns was born in 1759 and lived until only 1796 and is revered as one of the most famous poets of all time, and certainly the most revered Scottish poet and song writer.  He is called one of the founders of the Romantic era and also as a social reformer. His works were both lyrical, romantic and full of social and political plain spoken opinions.  There are huge Scottish clubs and societies all over the world where this is celebrated, and everyone is asked to wear Tartan. An example of an invitation:

The evening will usually start with the singing or saying of what is called the Selkirk Grace:

Some hae meat and canna eat,

And some wad eat that want it;

But we hae meat, and we can eat,

Ans sae let the Lord be thankit.

A traditional Burns supper...or party...or tea, has several essential ingredients. Basically those are "neeps and tatties" or turnips and potatoes, a "wee dram" of whiskey....which is where some of the all male celebrations get a bit rowdy, and last but not least, Scotland's national dish...haggis! Haggis is a sheep's intestines stuffed with...okay, you don't want to know. I tried it, and DIDN'T like it! 

Part of the dinner is the Address To The Haggis after it is bagpiped into the room with much ceremony and toasting...

In honor of Burns Night celebrations I have a few tartan tea related items to share, tartan being the first thing that comes to mind when talking of Scotland. Some of these items are available at Antiques And Teacups, and some are from my archive. Just click on the photos and if it is still available, there is more information.

A vintage, hand made padded Tartan tea cozy

A vintage Tartan needlecase or vinigarette case

A vintage Robert Burns tea towel

A Shelley China Crested China Burns Cottage for Kingston-Upon-Thames

A vintage Tartan tea tin

The evening is of course ended with Robert Burns famous song For Auld Lang Syne, preferably to the sound of bagpipes.  Much fun and good food is enjoyed. Sometimes even Burns teas are given, by those not overly fond of the whiskey...that would include me!

I found this great website, http://www.bagpiper-online.co.uk/music.php  where you can listen to bagpipe music. How cool is that!

So Hoots, Mon...or lady...and enjoy Burns Night and have a cup of tea with me! Here is the linky for Thursday Tea Things And Talk for your tea related post. I will love coming to visit! And grab my button if you would like to...I would be honored!

Here are some other Thursday blogs I will be visiting:

Coloradolady  ~ http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/

Vintage Thingie Thursday

 Mrs. Olson ~  http://jannolson.blogspot.com/

Share Your Cup Thursday

Leslie ~  http://heartforhome-making.blogspot.com/

Cup of English Tea

Beverley ~ http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

Pink Saturday