A SCOTTISH yuletide tradition is being resurrected this Christmas as a supermarket chain launches its festive campaign.
Lidl is kicking off the Christmas countdown in true Scottish style, by unearthing a forgotten Scots phrase – "dafts days".
Originally popularised by 17th century Scots poet, Robert Fergusson, the phrase described the fun, frivolity and merriment of the 12 days that run between Christmas and January 5.
Lidl is now bringing together five of Scotland’s top poets to help the nation reconnect with this little-known aspect of Scottish Christmas culture.
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 Scots rising star, Len Pennie, who drew acclaim earlier this year for her “Scots word of the day” series, filmed from her family home in Fife.
So @LidlGB asked me tae write a festive wee poyum in Scots tae tell the story of the Daft Days. This is the time between Xmas day and Hogmanay- the original 12 days of Christmas. It's a poyum for everyone, Scot or not, and I'm so excited tae finally share it wae yous all. X #ad pic.twitter.com/K11ez62haW
— ✨ Miss PunnyPennie ✨ (@Lenniesaurus) December 1, 2020
Other acclaimed poets taking part include Stuart Paterson from Dumfries & 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”.
Pennie said: “The Daft Days poetry collection is the perfect way to countdown to the festive holiday, while shining a light on how Scots words and phrases - some of which are totally unique to different parts of Scotland - were a big part of a traditional Christmas.
“My poem is definitely reflective of this year and what the festive season means to me – family, friends, kindness, sharing.”
Lidl shoppers are being encouraged to pick up a Lidl Book of Big Adventures, in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland, which include a fun activity for children to try their hand at writing a Scots poem at home. They will be available from December 10.
Pennie added: “I’d absolutely encourage people to get involved and try their hand at writing a Scots poem, or any poem for that matter – there’s no right or wrong way to do it.”
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