Thursday, December 31, 2015

Auld Lang Syne and New Year's Eve

One of my traditions on New Year's Eve is to try and get my home and life in order before the year ends. I have yet to be fully successful - but I like to try to start the New Year feeling organized. A year has never ended without me feeling nostalgic, but there is something about a fresh slate that provides the idea of endless possibilities. Like footsteps in the freshly fallen snow, it is fun to make those first strides in a new year.  I like goals better than resolutions, and this year I have quite a few.


Auld Lang Syne

No matter whether a year concludes with a fancy dress party; an early celebration with small children before
tucking them into bed; or just getting together with a few friends at home, the song "Auld Lang Syne" enters the thoughts of many people at some point each December 31st. Whether we hear it played by a band, on the radio or television, or just as background music in our own heads; this Scottish ballad has become synonymous with New Year's Eve.


We can thank Robbie Burns and Guy Lombardo for Auld Lang Syne

Drawing inspiration from an old Scottish folk song, Robert Burns wrote the lyrics that have been passed down from the 1700's, but he did not do so for a holiday party. Guy Lombardo and his band played it just after the clock struck midnight in 1929, and from that time forward the song became woven into the traditions of New Year's Eve.


A Song Sung Round the World

Auld Lang Syne is not just sung at New Year's however. The tune was used by South Korea in 1896 as the Imperial Anthem, it has been included in the soundtrack of numerous movies, is often played at both funerals and graduations, and Japanese stores even play it to signal closing time.


Old Long Since and Other Translations

Like Billy Crystal's character in the movie "When Harry Met Sally..., " many of us sing the words of this song without knowing what they really mean.  I found several translations for the title "Auld Lang Syne." According to an article on the ABC News website, this title means "times gone by." The Telegraph provides literal translations "old long since" and "long, long time," and a more general interpretation "the sake of old times." For me, the song is about remembering old friends and good times and carrying those memories forward into the next year without letting the past hold us back.

Learn the words before midnight!
The full lyrics (and the English translation) for the song Auld Lang Syne can be found by clicking here.

The following beautiful recording of Auld Lang Syne by Susan Boyle provides a shorter version, with the words provided as captions on the video. If you are not feeling overly ambitious, you can just learn this much and still probably impress other party-goers with your knowledge of the words to the song!

 


A toast to the readers of this blog 

However you celebrate this last day of the year, I hope that fond memories come to mind and the future is filled with wonderful opportunities. I appreciate every visit that has been made to this blog and every comment that has been left. I look forward to seeing you next year, and continuing to explore ways to make the most - - of every moment!


Happy New Year!

How do you celebrate New Year's Eve?

This post may be linked to one of the great link-up parties I follow and list on my blog. Check them out!
In the spirit of full disclosure, this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking on one of them, the price you pay will not be affected but I may receive some small compensation. All opinions expressed, however, are entirely honest and my own.

19 comments :

  1. Once again, you've astounded me with a wealth of interesting new facts. Thank you for that. Thank you also for reaching out to me and enabling our lovely White Spot lunch/afternoon. Hope to see you soon. Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy and splendid 2016.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Let's make sure 2016 includes at least one of those get-togethers again Kelly! I hope you have had a wonderful holiday with your kids - and all the best to all of you in 2016

      Delete
  2. This song never fails to bring to tears to my eyes. It's so beautifully sung here! I hope you have a terrific year Susan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I remember being impressed by Susan Boyle when she was first 'discovered" and yes, I think she sings Auld Lang Syne beautifully here. I hope your year is terrific too Rena!

      Delete
  3. Happy New Year Susan! Great blog post! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love that you talk about footprints in the snow at this time of the year - where we're thinking about footprints in the sand because it's so hot! Happy new year and lets hope for lots of cups of kindness ahead xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Our worlds may be upside down Leanne - but I have had such fun getting to know you through our blogs. Happy New Year - and I totally agree!

      Delete
  5. Happy New Year Susan.
    I have developed the habit of letting the new year come in without me, it knows the way.
    I do like to start the new year with a clean and tidy house, and garden. A fail this year, but with luck it will be done sooner rather than later.
    And how I would love to see footprints in the snow...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I waited up for the New Year this year - but for me that has also not always been the case! We are not lacking for snow for footprints right now - and I wish you could see all the big holes in the snow left by elk who have spent the night below our house and melted the snow with their bodies as well!

      Delete
  6. Happy New Year Susan! May the new year bring you everything you desire!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sorry about the delete....
    Happy New Year to you and yours.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy New Year to you and your family also, Delores!

      Delete
  9. Happy New Year, Susan! I hope that this year brings great things for you and your family!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The same to you as well Lana. It will be a year when our role as mothers changes for both of us - hopefully we will enjoy the coming months to the fullest!

      Delete
  10. "...carrying those memories forward into the next year without letting the past hold us back." Beautifully said!
    Wishing you 'Long Time Since', Susan! A great year and happy new memories!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "Long time since" and many happy new memories to you as well Diane!

      Delete

If you enjoyed this post, I would love it if you share it on your social media sites and with your friends!