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Wednesday, January 23, 2013

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:


Vintage Thingie Thursday
 Mrs. Olson ~  http://jannolson.blogspot.com/
Share Your Cup Thursday
Cup of English Tea

Pink Saturday








16 comments:

  1. I love tartan! Everything is lovely, I specially love those tins!! Thanks a ton for hosting this wonderful tea party. Big hugs,
    FABBY

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  2. Wow, thank you for a delightfully informative post! I had no idea there was a such a thing as a "Burns Supper," but it sure makes sense. While I'm not sure I would enjoy a meal consisting of turnips, potatoes and stuffed intestine, I would most certainly enjoy the bagpipes! :) Really enjoyed the info, as well as your pretty tartan treasures!

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  3. What an interesting post Ruth. Having Scottish roots in my family I appreciate this lesson on Robbie Burns. Fredericton is well known for it's Scottish heritage and many celebrations of Robbie Burns Day. In the downtown on the green is a beautiful Robbie Burns statue. I must do a post on it one day. Enjoy the day! Pamela

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  4. That is one reason I like blogging, you learn so many interesting things.

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  5. Your tartan tea cozy caught my eye at Vintage Thingie Thursday. Thanks for sharing!
    xoxo
    Dorothy

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  6. I have always wanted to attend a Burns Dinner! I love Robert Burns' poetry. This post is fantastic. I really enjoyed reading it and looking at your neat photos.

    Thanks for visiting my blog today!
    xo,
    Ricki Jill

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  7. I'd never heard of it, but I love learning new things. Haggis, huh? I'm going to take your advice and pass. LOL
    Love all your great plaids!
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  8. Hi Ruth, what a fun blog. I adore plaids! The tea cozy is wonderful!!!!
    I'm so glad you are continuing a fun tea blog on Thursdays.
    Linda

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  9. Fascinating post, Ruth! Hi there...what fun to read about R.Burns and Scottish food. I love tartans, especially Blackwatch. Thx for hosting.
    hugs
    Shawn

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  10. What a fun post! Thanks for a *most* entertaining history lesson!

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  11. I just love your post and it conjured up so many wonderful memories for me.....and alit a new the flame of desire in me to put feet to me dream trip to the Highlands!!!!Thanks for posting and I hope you dont mind but I had to redo my post!!

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  12. Loved seeing your tartan items especially the tea cozy. Thanks for sharing info about Robert Burns.

    Also, thank you for commenting on my blog post about Victoria magazine. I really appreciate it.

    Sandra
    Ravenhill Cottage

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  13. Just to say hello from Scotland! Burns night is celebrated all over the world - wherever there are a few Scots. Loved your tartan items - lovely.
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  14. This was very interesting. Thinking I'd just as soon not try the sheep intestines. lol! I love tartan plaid and you have some fun items. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  15. How delightful- Burns is such a fascinating character- just love the little cottage!

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  16. This article was exactly what I was looking for! Thank you for addressing the issue in a clear and concise way. I will definitely share this with others.
    Kiltandkilts

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Thanks for visiting and we love to hear from you! We read every comment. If my husband's health permits, I love to visit andreply. Have a wonderful day and a cuppa tea always at hand! :)