With the New Year swiftly on its way, we must not forget to review the age-old, and enduring, poem/song by the famous Scottish bard (at right), Robert Burns' "Auld Lang Syne". Written in 1778, it is probably the most famous tradition that can be employed on New Year's Eve...the singing of its words, with friends and family holding hands, and watching the clock to bring in the new year. The Scots like to hold crossed hands as they sing.
The words are poignant. The Scottish words "Auld Lang Syne" mean literally "old long since", or better expressed, "long, long ago", or "days gone by". It is said that Robert Burns sent a copy of the orignal song to the Scots Musical Museum, remarking that "the following song, an old song, of the olden times, and which has never been in print, nor even in manuscript until I took down from an old man". Some of the lyrics were "collected" rather than composed, but it is always attributed to Burns. You can read more about the song, and the lyrics at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auld_Lang_Syne
Wishing a Very Happy New Year, with health and happiness and prosperity to you and yours!
Signing off for 2010; looking forward to Blogging 2012!
Last night I got home and I was like 'why doesn't it feel like new years?' and then I realized it was because i didn't hear the song! So I played it before bed and I was like, ok new years happened now :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the "listen"! I love that song, too, and it's true, it isn't New year's without it.
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