What Does Auld Lang Syne Mean?

In 1788, a Scotsman named Robert Burns wrote a poem and entitled it "Auld Lang Syne." The poem title can be translated in English as 'old long since,' or more idiomatically, 'long, long ago' or 'days gone by.' Similar poems by Robert Ayton (1570-1638), Allan Ramsay (1686-1757), and James Watson (1711) used the term "Auld Lang Syne." Predating Robert Burns, Matthew Fitt used the term "In the days of auld lang syne," equivalent to "Once upon a time" when retelling fairy tales in the Scot language.

Traditionally, especially on New Years' Eve, at the stroke of midnight, the memorable strands of Auld Lang Syne can be heard at any number of social gatherings. The song is also used to signify endings at graduations, funerals, and farewell or endings to other occasions. There is some doubt whether the melody heard today is the one Robert Burns had in mind, originally. However, the same musical score is used in Scotland and throughout the entire world.

If "auld" means "old," is the verse saying that old acquaintances should be forgotten and put out of mind? Actually, although the song begins with a question, as t whether old times should be forgotten, the song is generally interpreted as a call to remember old and long standing friendships.

Robert Burns' original poem was written as follows:

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

and never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

and auld lang syne?

Chorus

For auld lang syne, my jo,

for auld lang syne,

we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

And, surely ye'll be your pint-stowp!

And surely I'll be mine!

And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

Chorus

We twa hae run about the braes,

and pu'd the gowans fine;

But we've wander'd mony a weary foot,

sin auld lang syne.

Chorus

We taw hae paidl' di' the burn,

frae morning sun till dine;

But seas between us braid hae roar'd

sin auld lang syne

Chorus

And there's a hand, my trusty fiere!

And gie's a hand o' thine!

And we'll tak a right gude-willy waught,

for auld lang syne

Chorus

It is common practice for everyone to join hands with the person next to them to form a circle around the dance floor. At the beginning of the last verse, everyone crosses their arms across their breast, so that the right hand reaches out to the neighbor on the left. When the melody ends, while still holding hands, everyone moves to the middle of the floor. Once the circle is re-established, everyone turns under the arms to end up facing outwards with hands still joined.

In the English speaking world, Auld Lang Syne is used as follows:

In Scotland, at the end of a dance.

In England, it is played at the end of the annual conference of the Trades Union Congress.

In United States, the song is used as a remembrance at memorial events.

So, whether you are celebrating or saying so-long to a friend or comrade, raise a glass to remember long time acquaintances, for they shall remain in your heart forever, never to be forgotten.