Auld Lang Syne

We all know it, right?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days o’ lang syne!

For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne,
We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet
For auld lang syne!

We all sing it in big groups, not really knowing what the words are or anything, but it's part of the New Year tradition nonetheless. Why do we sing it though? Well, first off, it's an old Scottish song, first penned in 1788/9 (depending on your sources). The wording is a little archaic, but pretty easily understood with a bit of thought. Auld means old. Lang means long. Syne means since. So literally it means "old long since." A time long ago. So, it's about times long ago and those who've been in our lives in our past. Should we forget our old friends and never think on them again? the song asks. No, we'll remember and cheer them instead. This, on the eve of the new, we should both cherish the past and look forward to the future.

It's a good reminder that we should hold to not just this one day of the year, but all days of our lives. It may be sappy and often sung by those who've partaken of too many spirits for the night, but it still carries a good meaning. Don't forget the past. Don't forget those who've touched our lives and those who've come before. All those past days and people we've known have shaped us and made us who we are. Celebrate them and carry it with you in your days to come.

We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet
For auld lang syne!

Happy New Year to all and to all a good night.

~ flowers bloom near Memory and Dream at 12/31/2003 11:45:50 AM ~ ~