Most of us will listen to a familiar song as we ring in the new year, but some of us won't understand the lyrics. The song traditionally sung at midnight is "Auld Lang Syne," a very old Scottish song. Scottish poet Robert Burns is credited with writing the lyrics in the 1700s, but the melody is thought to have preceeded the lyrics.

New Year's has always been a big holiday in Scotland, to this day even topping Christmas, in that many Scottish people gladly work Christmas Day so they can take off New Year's. For centuries, the Scots have built huge bondfires on New Year's Eve, often sending up effigies thought to embody the bad elements of the past year. Bells are rung all over Scotland, particularly in Edinburgh where a very large bell is known as Old Lad's Passing. Throughout the evening, repeated toasts are made.

The words, "Auld Lang Syne" actually mean "As Good Time Passes" or translated slightly differently "The Good Old Days." In Scotland, as well, of course, as other countries, the new year makes an appropriate time to count one's blessings and remember past good times and friends. It is customary to make toasts or "take a cup o' kindness" throughout the evening in memory of those friends and family gathered around and those who are distant or who have died. The song's lyrics speak about the many miles traveled and the long days between last new year's and this one and the implication is that the busyness of life often distracts us from remembering and enjoying the company of friends. On this holiday night, we should take the opportunity to appreciate the blessings of friendships.


Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

We twa hae run aboot the braes
And pou'd the gowans fine;
we've wander'd mony a weary foot
Sin' auld lang syne

We two hae paidled i' the burn,
Frae mornin' sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin' auld lang syne

And here's a hand, my trusty friend,
And gie's a hand o' thine;
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne.

I wish you and those you remember with fondness a very happy new year!