OBSERVATION-NEW YEARS EVE-AULD LANG SYNE!

*Recently, while wandering around the world wide web, I started wondering about the tradition of singing "Auld Lang Syne" to usher out the old year and to welcome in the new year, so much so that I was prompted to do some online research into the matter, during which I found out that "Auld Lang Syne" is a Scottish song that was first presented to the world in the late 1700's by the Scottish poet Robert Burns, who represented it as being an old Scottish folk song that he had written down as he was listening to it being sung by an old Scottish folk singer, the singing of which has since grown into the traditional way of closing new years eve celebrations and other festive occasions not only throughout the English speaking world but also in many other non-english speaking countries where it has been adapted to fit local needs.

Note: Auld Lang Syne can be interpreted in several ways, to include meaning "long ago" or "in days gone by."

Note: To help those who, like myself, don't know the words to Auld Lang Syne and who are therefore forced to simply hum along whenever the singing starts, I am including a copy of the lyrics here.

Auld Lang Syne

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

Should old acquaintance be forgot,and auld lang syne?

CHORUS

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup o’ 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

We two have run about the slopes,and picked the daisies fine;

But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,from morning sun till dine (dinner time) ;

But seas between us broad have roared since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand my trusty friend !And give us a hand o’ thine!

And we’ll take a right good-will draught,for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

Note: Oftentimes, for brevity, the singing of the first verse and the chorus is substituted for the singing of the whole song.