Singing Auld Lang Syne This New Years!

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, millions of people around the world join hands and belt out the familiar strains of "Auld Lang Syne." The song, with its heartfelt melody and poignant lyrics, has become an essential part of ringing in the new year, but few people truly know the meaning behind this beloved tune. Why do we sing it? Where did it come from? And what does it actually mean?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the history, significance, and enduring tradition of "Auld Lang Syne"—the song that unites us all as we bid farewell to the past and welcome a new beginning.

What is "Auld Lang Syne"?

At its core, "Auld Lang Syne" is a Scottish folk song that has become synonymous with New Year’s celebrations. The title translates roughly to "old long since" or "days gone by" in modern English, implying a sense of nostalgia and remembrance for times past. The lyrics reflect themes of friendship, loyalty, and the passage of time, making it a fitting song for saying goodbye to one year and greeting the next.

The version of "Auld Lang Syne’* most commonly sung today was written by the Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1788, though it’s believed to have originated as a traditional Scottish ballad long before Burns put pen to paper.

The Origins of the Song

While Robert Burns is often credited as the author of "Auld Lang Syne," he didn’t actually create the melody or the concept behind the song. Instead, Burns collected an older Scottish folk tune and then penned the lyrics that we know today. In fact, Burns noted that the song was based on a traditional song sung by an old Scottish woman he had met, and he simply refined and formalized the words to capture the essence of human connection and shared memories.

The tune itself has its roots in a lively, danceable folk melody, which is likely why it’s so easy for large groups to sing together, year after year.

The Lyrics: A Reflection on Friendship and the Passage of Time

The lyrics of "Auld Lang Syne" evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflect on the enduring nature of friendship, even as time passes. The first verse, which is perhaps the most famous, asks:

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And old lang syne?

This central question speaks to the idea of cherishing long-lasting friendships and remembering old acquaintances, even as the years go by. "Auld Lang Syne" suggests that, despite the passage of time, the memories of old friendships should be honored and never truly forgotten.

The song’s chorus (“For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne”) emphasizes the importance of raising a toast to those we hold dear, to the bonds we share, and to the moments we’ve experienced together.

The Symbolism Behind "Auld Lang Syne"

The beauty of "Auld Lang Syne" is its deep emotional resonance. It’s not just a song about nostalgia—it’s about remembering what’s important in life: relationships, shared memories, and the kindness we extend to each other.

As we sing "Auld Lang Syne" on New Year’s Eve, we are not just celebrating the arrival of a new year; we are also celebrating the people who have been a part of our journey. The song encourages us to reflect on both the friendships we’ve made and the ones that have endured through time, as well as the ones we may have lost along the way.

It’s a reminder that, while time moves forward and things change, the bonds we form in our lives are enduring, and the memories of those who came before us live on in our hearts.

Why Do We Sing "Auld Lang Syne" on New Year’s Eve?

While "Auld Lang Syne" is a popular song in many cultures, it has become particularly associated with New Year’s Eve celebrations. So, why do we sing it at the stroke of midnight? The tradition likely stems from Scotland and the country’s celebrations of Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year’s celebration. It is said that after the bells toll at midnight, Scots would gather in a circle, link arms, and sing "Auld Lang Syne" to mark the end of one year and the beginning of another.

The song’s themes of friendship, renewal, and looking forward to the future made it a perfect fit for New Year’s Eve, a time when people reflect on the past and make resolutions for the year ahead. Over time, this tradition spread worldwide, and now, from Times Square in New York City to a small gathering of friends at home, the song is an integral part of ringing in the New Year.

Singing "Auld Lang Syne" Around the World

Though it’s often associated with Scotland, "Auld Lang Syne" has become a global New Year’s anthem. In fact, it is sung in many countries, each with its own unique twist on the tradition.

• United States: The ball drop in Times Square is watched by millions, and as the clock strikes midnight, the crowd bursts into "Auld Lang Syne". New Yorkers and visitors alike link arms and sing the song together, a tradition that has become an iconic part of the New Year’s Eve celebration.

• Japan: In Japan, the song is sung on New Year’s Eve as part of the Ōmisoka celebration. However, the Japanese version, called "Hotaru no Hikari" (Light of the Fireflies), is based on the same melody, and it has a slightly different lyric structure to suit Japanese culture.

• Canada: In Canada, "Auld Lang Syne" is sung with great enthusiasm, and it’s common for people to gather in large groups to join in the singing. In some parts of Canada, it is customary to hold hands while singing the song as a symbol of unity.

• Latin America: In many Latin American countries, the song is not traditionally sung on New Year’s Eve, but the sentiment of bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new one remains. Instead, people often celebrate with their own unique customs, such as burning effigies of the old year or eating twelve grapes for good luck.

The Timeless Message of "Auld Lang Syne"

Even though "Auld Lang Syne" is centuries old, its message remains timeless. It’s about reflecting on the past, appreciating the relationships and experiences that have shaped us, and celebrating the bonds that continue to connect us. As we sing this song each New Year’s Eve, we are reminded of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing the people in our lives.

So, next time you find yourself joining hands with friends or strangers and singing "Auld Lang Syne" at midnight, take a moment to reflect on the song’s deeper meaning. It’s more than just a catchy tune; it’s a heartfelt tribute to friendship, nostalgia, and the promise of a fresh start. And, most importantly, it reminds us to always honor the past as we step forward into the future.

Here’s to the memories we cherish, the friendships we hold dear, and the adventures that await in the year ahead. 🎶🥂