Auld Lang Syne

We’ve all been there for the coundown…5….4….3….2…1….HAPPY NEW YEAR! Cue New Year’s Eve Kiss and then cue “Auld Lang Syne”! We all know most of the words but what the heck does this song mean?

Well, Austin Moms Blog did a little bit of research for you.  Part of our Holiday History series (check out Halloween and Twelve Days of Christmas History)!

Auld Lang Syne is poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song.  It is well known in many countries, in the English-speaking world; its traditional use being to celebrate the start of the New Year at the stroke of midnight.

Auld Lang Syne translates to “Times Gone By” (that makes a lot more sense!) and is traditionally performed by New Years Eve partiers holding hands with those standing next to them.  Here are some of the lyrics–doesn’t it make more sense now that you know what Auld Lang Syne means?

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

CHORUS:For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup ! and surely I’ll buy mine ! And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

CHORUS:For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

We two have run about the slopes, and picked the daisies fine ; But we’ve wandered many a weary foot, since auld lang syne.

Two of my favorite movies feature this song: Sex and the City and When Harry Met Sally.  Click on the links to watch the videos.

So let’s celebrate the time that has gone by.  What was the highlight of your year?