Burns Night…

My Goblin’s Scottish blood gurgled to the surface this evening (he also has lots of English blood). He turned to me out of the blue and said, “It must be Burns night!” I was like…what? Oh! You mean Burn’s Night! Tonight Scotland celebrates Robert Burns, the poet who wrote poetry in the common Scottish dialect. Born 25 January 1759, Burns died young at 37 on 21 July 1796. His most familiar work today is Auld Lang Syne…which has become a Western New Year’s sing along. When I think of Burns I think of his song/poem, My Love is Like a Red Red Rose which I first discovered when I was about twelve. It’s a lovely song and is still being sung after more than two hundred years. I found several examples on Youtube, but I thought this one sung by a Scottish woman was most appropriate. So here is a song sung throughout the Regency, still being sung today!

Speaking of Burns and love…

In 1788 Robert Burns married Jean Armour. I wish I could go back in time and put my ear to the keyhole as they discussed their wedding plans. In the end, Burns purchased 15 yards of black silk from a merchant in Glasgow, for Jean’s wedding dress and apparently paid about £7. That would have been quite a considerable sum for a working man. Here’s to Burns! May your songs be sung for another two hundreds years!

PS
I’ve finally finished Dancing the Maypole (though I’m thinking I might sneak in an epilogue after all). I’m now waiting for the Goblin to work his magic and get it put on line. If you’re not one of my Members and you’d like to receive an e-mail when it’s published. E-mail me and I’ll put you on the list. If you’re a Member I’ll send you a newsletter when it’s ready.