One of Bahrain’s oldest societies will next week host an annual celebration of one of Scotland’s greatest poets and lyricists, in what is expected to be a night filled with traditional dancing, live music and poetry reading.
The Burns Supper will be hosted by the Bahrain Caledonian Society Awali on January 30 at the Intercontinental Regency in Manama in order to commemorate Burns’ Night, which celebrates the life and legacy of Robert Burns.
During the event, which will be held from 7.30pm to midnight, bagpipers will bring the sound of the Highlands to the kingdom and guests will feast on a traditional haggis dish and enjoy a night of Ceilidh dancing.
Men and women will also have the opportunity to show off their poetic prowess, with readings of some of Burn’s most famous works.
Dress code for the evening is black tie, national dress or lounge suit. Scottish expats attending are encouraged to wear the kilt, a garment resembling a wrap-around knee-length skirt, made of twill-woven worsted wool with heavy pleats at the sides and back and traditionally a tartan pattern. Originating in the Scottish Highland dress for men, it is first recorded in the 16th century as the great kilt, a full-length garment whose upper half could be worn as a cloak.
Robert Burns was born on January 25, 1759, in the town of Alloway in Ayrshire, Scotland. He was the eldest of seven children of a poor farming family.
He was well-educated thanks to his father’s efforts, which greatly helped him develop his literary talent.
Every year, the society, which was established in Bahrain in 1935, holds a large cultural, social and literary gathering for all members of the Scottish community and their friends.
“Robert Burns is considered one of the greatest poets in the history of Scottish literature, and one of the most prominent embodiments of the spirit of Scottish culture,” said society member and University of Strathclyde graduate Wasan Khalaf.
“He was called the people’s poet, as through his works, he was able to express peoples’ hopes and suffering.
“He began writing poetry at a young age. Scottish folklore and the Scottish heritage had a great influence on his poetic creations. He also excelled in employing the Gaelic language in his work.”
The first of his collections, called ‘Poems written in Scottish’, was published in 1786 and was widely popular. In general, his works were characterised by irony, love and human compassion celebrated by Scottish nature and local culture.
In addition to poetry, Burns has written many songs, with his most famous work being Auld Lang Syne which expresses the qualities of friendship, loyalty, love and the pain of separation.
Derived from traditional Scottish folklore, it became known for its distinctive melody and has been translated to languages including Arabic. It has become especially famous for occasions such as graduation parties of university students.
Shortly after Burn’s death in 1796, aged 37, his friends and lovers held a ceremony to honour him on the anniversary of his birth.
From there, it grew and became a national folk celebration and an annual custom in all cities and villages of Scotland, as well as staged by Scottish expatriates living abroad.
“Burns’ Night is not just a literary occasion, it is a national and cultural celebration that reflects the Scottish spirit,” said Ms Khalaf. “The Scottish people celebrated his birthday as a reflection of their pride in their values and history and shows how literature can unite peoples and express their aspirations.
“Burns represents a bridge between the past and the present, as the echo of his voice continues to inspire future generations.”
n For more information and to become a member, people can contact the society by emailing awalicaledoniansociety@gmail.com. For more details about the event, call 39928228. Residents of Saudi can call +966 535802327.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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