Fife poet’s ‘The Fleetin’ Daft Days’ poem helps kick off Christmas countdown

An Anstruther poet has written her own ‘dafts days’ poem to help Lidl kick off the Christmas countdown.
Len Pennie.Len Pennie.
Len Pennie.

Originally made famous by 17th century Scots poet, Robert Fergusson, the phrase described the fun, frivolity and merriment of the twelve days that run between Christmas and January 5.

To help Fifers reconnect with this little-known aspect of Scottish Christmas culture, Lidl commissioned local poet and Scots rising star, Len Pennie, to write her own homage to the ‘daft days’.

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Earlier this year, Pennie drew acclaim as an emerging Scots voice with her ‘word of the day’ series; filmed from her family home in Fife. Pennie’s ‘The Fleetin’ Daft Days’ poem is a reflective ballad that puts friends and family at the heart of a Scottish Christmas.

Len Pennie said: “The Daft Days poetry collection is the perfect way for Fifers 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.

“I’d absolutely encourage Fifers 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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Ross Millar, Lidl’s regional director for Scotland, said: “This project has certainly been an education for us all; uncovering the origins of ‘daft days’ - the original, Scottish twelve days of Christmas.

“Our aim at Lidl is to celebrate all that makes Scotland unique, from food to culture. ‘Daft days’ really is at the heart of Scotland’s festive season and we’re incredibly proud to celebrate this.”

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