It’s time to raise our voices for ‘Auld Lang Syne’

Every year, we gather on New Year’s Eve waiting for the stroke of midnight to sing – or mumble through – a few verses of the ancient tune “Auld Lang Syne.”

Give credit to famous Scottish poet Robert Burns for creating this global tradition in 1788. That was the year he put words on paper, capturing lyrics from a folk tune “he had heard an old man singing.” Burns made some modifications to add his personal, poetic touch.

 

Loosely translated, “auld lang syne” means “old long since,” and we’re advised to cherish our memories from “the olden days,” remain close to good friends and share a “cup ‘o kindness” with them…while approaching a new year with a fresh, positive outlook.

Burns shared his poem with James Johnson, who paired it with an existing Scottish tune for the song’s original publication in Scots Musical Museum in 1796.

Later in 1799, publisher George Thomson changed the composition somewhat for “Thomson’s A Select Collection of Original Scottish Airs.” This is the version of the tune which has prevailed over time.

“Auld Lang Syne” was popularized by Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians. “From 1929 until 1976, first on radio and then on television, American audiences tuned in to the New Year’s Eve broadcasts by Lombardo’s big band,” said Matthew Yglesias, a contributor to the Vox online news media service.

 

The song has attached itself to American pop culture through its use in three major motion pictures, reported Natalie Schumann and Terri Robertson of Country Living magazine.

The first film is “It’s a Wonderful Life,” a 1946 American Christmas classic produced and directed by Frank Capra. The film stars were James Stewart and Donna Reed.

 

“When Harry Met Sally,” released in 1989, was a romantic comedy drama directed by Rob Reiner, starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal.

 

The third movie of note to use the song “Auld Lang Syne is “Elf,” a 2003 Christmas comedy film directed by Jon Favreau. Principal actors were Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel.

 

As a matter of Scottish national pride, the New Year’s holidays in the major cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow have become four-day celebrations known as Hogmanay. Revelers crank it up from Dec. 29 through Jan. 1, 2025, for festivals that are filled with parades, concerts, street theater, Highland dancing and fireworks.

Dr. Tori V. Martínez, an American freelance writer, said: “The exact origin of Hogmanay is unknown, but it was probably introduced by invading Vikings between the 8th and 9th centuries. It’s possible the word ‘Hogmanay’ originated from the Scandinavian term meaning ‘Holy Month.’”

“The Hogmanay tradition first involves a thorough housecleaning, including removal of the ashes from the fireplace, and repayment of all debts – all of which must be done before ‘the bells’ at midnight on Dec. 31,” Dr. Martínez said. “With a clean house – both literally and figuratively – the celebrations can commence with a light heart and a clear conscience.”

She said fire ceremonies are common throughout the smaller communities of Scotland – “designed to ward off evil spirits and ensure a prosperous new year.”

 

Visitors may want to tour the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, which pays tribute to Scotland’s National Bard who “sits proudly atop the pantheon of Scottish poets.” The facility in Alloway, South Ayrshire, is located on the River Doon, which flows into the Firth of Clyde on Scotland’s west coast.

Burns penned the epic narrative poem “Tam o’ Shanter” as well as hundreds of songs and lyrical poems before he died on July 21, 1796, at age 37, due to complications from rheumatism.