Five Scots poets have got together to celebrate a traditional Scottish saying.
Lidl is kicking off the Christmas countdown in true Scottish style, by unearthing a forgotten Scots phrase – ‘daft days’. The supermarket has brought together five of Scotland’s top modern bards, including Scots rising star, Len Pennie, to pay homage to the traditional 12 days of Christmas – with ‘daft days’ poems.
Originally popularised by 17th century Scots poet, Robert Fergusson, the phrase ‘daft days’ described the fun, frivolity and merriment of the 12 days that run between Christmas and January 5. Now, Lidl is bringing together five of Scotland’s top poets to help the nation reconnect with this little-known aspect of Scottish Christmas culture.
SEE ALSO: 8 Glasgow Bookshops That Are Perfect For Literature Lovers
From the dreich weather to a dram tae see in the bells, Lidl’s ‘daft days’ poems tell the tale of a timeless Christmas for modern Scots. Leading the collective is, Len Pennie, who drew acclaim earlier this year for her ‘Scots word of the day’ series, filmed from her family home in Anstruther, Fife.
We love tae see talent like this. Beautiful words capturing the weirdness a lot of us are feeling this Christmas. Thanks, @Lenniesaurus ⭐️ https://t.co/rXnNUW5jTq
— @LidlGB (@LidlGB) December 1, 2020
Lidl’s acclaimed Daft Days Poets also include Stuart Paterson from Dumfries and Galloway, Jo Gilbert from Aberdeen, Gary Robertson from Dundee and Anne Frater from the Isle of Lewis, who has penned her work in Gaelic.
To help school children discover Scots, a series of virtual poetry workshops with local schools is planned, where the next generation of bards will pen their own poems celebrating the ‘daft days’.
Len Pennie said: “Lidl’s Daft Days poetry collection is the perfect way tae countdown tae the holidays, while keepin the Scots language alive and at the heart of a traditional Scottish Christmas. My poem is definitely reflective of the struggles this year has brought, and what the festive season means to me – family, friends, kindness, and sharing.
“I’d absolutely encourage people tae get involved and try their hand at writing a wee Scots poyum, or any poyum for that matter – there’s no right or wrong way tae dae it. It doesnae matter how it’s spelt or how much time it takes you, just have fun and express yersel.”
Lidl shoppers are being encouraged to pick up a Lidl Book of Big Adventures – available from 10 December – in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland, from any one of its 104 Scottish stores, which includes a fun activity for kids to try their hand at writing a Scots poem at home.
You can read Robert Fergusson’s ‘The Daft Days’ here.
[Featured Image: Lidl, Len Pennie]