why is auld lang syne sung at new year

Behold our God shall live with us And be our steadfast light And we shall ere his people be All glory be to Christ! Review our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices. Sources: Independent UK, Scotland.org, BBC, Telegraph UK. Woven within the original Auld Lang Syne poem are elements of Christian teachings: Especially after 2020 — the year of the COVID-19 pandemic, social tensions, economic crisis, and heated elections — choosing to share a cup ‘o kindness as we enter a new year would be a very Christian thing to do. Burns was a romantic who never strayed far from his humble roots of farming. O Chief of many throned powers! Prior to getting its own lyrics the Korean anthem used to be sung to the tune of Auld Lang Syne as well. Every year, on New Year's Eve, people all around the world sing a few lines in Scots which most people don't understand. How Was There Peace on Earth at Jesus’ Birth? Check your inboxMedium sent you an email at to complete your subscription. In Bangkok and Beijing it is so ubiquitous as a song of togetherness and sad farewells, they presume it must be an old Thai or Chinese folk song; while in France it is the song which eases the pain of parting with the hope that we will all see each other again. For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne, We’ll take a cup of kindness yet, For auld lang syne. It’s famous for being one of the … The answer to this question is, no, the song was not written with religious meaning or background. Listeners quickly made the association between the song and the first moments of a new year. Canadian bandleader Guy Lombardo helped to make the song a New Year’s Eve icon. O Prince! It’s generally thought it means that one should reflect on the past year and on keeping past friendships. Some believe Burns wrote the poem, while others believe he overheard someone singing it, found the poem already written by someone else or perhaps was inspired by other ancient poems with similar phrasing. As the clock hits midnight on Hogmanay and we celebrate the arrival of a new year, all over the world people will likely be joining hands and singing Auld Lang Syne. We didn’t think it was known here. Like most great traditions, "Auld Lang Syne" became the customary song for New Year's Eve through a combination of random chance and corporate sponsorship. And you might be “today-years-old” when you learn that “old lang syne” and “auld lang syne” are both phrases in the song. Very lately I was a boy; but t’other day I was a young man; and I already begin to feel the rigid fibre and stiffening joints of Old Age coming fast o’er my frame. The song is often sung at graduations, funerals, or farewell parties, as well as many other occasions where there is a time period with some end and a new beginning. And auld lang syne. Whatever title suit you — Old Horny, Satan, Nick, or Hoofy — Who in yonder cavern grim and sooty, Closed under hatches, Splashes about the brimstone dish, To scald poor wretches! Is there any religious significance? Rebekah holds a BA in Urban Ministry and Family Crisis with a Christian Counseling Minor, an MA in Religious Education, and is a Certified Professional Life Coach. During a New Year’s Eve broadcast at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York, big bandleader Guy Lombardo directed his band through a version of Auld Lang Syne as transitional music. However, in Robert Burn’s work often there are religious connections such as seen in this excerpt of his poem, Address To The Devil. It was right after midnight. It wasn’t until the renowned Big Band leader, Guy Lombardo, played the song at a New Year’s party in 1929 that it became an expected tune for holiday parties or farewell events. It isn’t just used on New Year’s either. When we left Canada, we never thought we’d play it again. The original Scottish tradition for singing the song has everyone stand in a circle with their arms across their bodies so they can hold the person’s hand on the right with their left hand and the person’s hand on their left with their right hand. The song is an old Scottish tune that's usually credited to Robert Burns in 1788, though Burns admitted that he'd based it off of various Scottish songs and poems. The song debuted on the Hot 100's top 40, at #37, on 27 December 1980, between Christmas and New Year… It was sung and heard from the crowds who lined the docks and the jeties for departing ships taking emigrants to the New Worlds (Canada, US Australia and beyond) and is heard at every gathering of Rabbie Burns dinners, world wide every January 25th, the Birthday of the poet. The tradition of singing Auld Lang Syne at the stroke of Midnight as New Year's Eve becomes New Year's Day began in Scotland soon after Burns’ song was printed. you are neither backward, nor lame, Nor backward, nor afraid. Authorship of the 18th-century poem, Auld Lang Syne, has long been associated with the famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns. How many of us have watched the classic Jimmy Stewart Christmas movie, It’s a Wonderful Life? As published by Johnson, the lyrics were set to a different tune from the one that later became familiar. It’s generally thought it means that one should reflect on the past year and on keeping past friendships. Auld Lang Syne is an appropriate song for New Year given that it reflects on old times, which a lot of people do at New Year – as they also begin to look ahead to times to come. In our particular part of Ontario, where there’s a large Scottish population, it was traditional for bands to end every dance with Auld Lang Syne. She has made appearances on and consulted with sources including BBC, NBC, ABC, The Daily Telegraph, and a variety of other platforms. At the end, after his, A Christmas Carol-like experience, George Bailey is reunited with his family and friends. And surely you’ll buy your pint cup! 'Auld Lang Syne' is the song traditionally sung at midnight on New Year’s Eve. So, why is Auld Lang Syne a traditional holiday or farewell song? The song goes on for four more verses, but they usually aren’t sung during the New Year’s celebrations (probably because no one knows the words). It isn’t just used on New Year’s either. Robert Burns wrote “Auld Lang Syne” as a poem in 1788, set to the tune of a traditional folk song (Roud # 6294). I have nothing to say to any body, as, to which Sect they belong, or what Creed they believe; but I look on the Man who is firmly persuaded of Infinite Wisdom and Goodness superintending and directing every circumstance that can happen in his lot — I felicitate such a man as having a solid foundation for his mental enjoyment; a firm prop to sure stay, in the hour of difficulty, trouble and distress: and a never-failing anchor of hope, when he looks beyond the grave. With all my follies of youth, and fear, a few vices of manhood, still I congratulate myself on having had in early day religion strongly impressed on my mind. So, calling Auld Lang Syne a Christian song is not possible, but before you throw it out, remember this, the music for one of the most loved songs of all time, Amazing Grace, was originally a popular bar tune. Let living water satisfy The thirsty without price We’ll take a cup of kindness yet All glory be to Christ! The composer of the familiar melody is still unknown. Give a look at Knowledge Stew’s Fact World, here on Medium. It would seem Burns did wrestle with faith during his lifetime. During a 1929 New Year’s Eve broadcast, Lombardo’s band was playing at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. And we’ll take a right good will draught, For auld lang syne. His rule and reign will ever sing, All glory be to Christ! And there’s a hand my trusty friend! And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet, For auld lang syne. For auld lang syne, my jo, For auld lang syne, We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet, For auld lang syne. Since the song's release, these references and the musical quote of "Auld Lang Syne", a song traditionally sung on New Year's Eve, have increased the song's popularity during the month of December. Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright © 2021, Christianity.com. While the song started in Scotland, it eventually spread around the world (mostly to English speaking countries) when these people began to emigrate to other parts of the world. Global – “Auld Lang Syne” is traditionally sung at the conclusion of New Year gatherings around the world but do you actually know why?. All glory be to Christ! By tradition, it is an anthem sung on New Year’s Eve by crowds of revellers linking hands. Here is a line and chorus written in the original Scots, 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. For auld lang syne, my jo. We two have run about the slopes, And picked the daisies fine; But we’ve wandered many a weary foot, Since auld lang syne. Known as Hogmanay in Scotland the name is derived from a Goidelic Celtic linguistic root. "Auld Lang Syne" is traditionally sung at the conclusion of New Year gatherings in Scotland and around the world, especially in English-speaking countries. Burns, a major contributor to the compilation, claimed that the words of “Auld Lang Syne” were taken “from an old man’s singing.”. Burns actually sent the poem to the Scots Musical Museum, saying that it was from an old, traditional folk song, but he also indicated that he was the first to have written it down. It must be noted that Burns never claimed to have written the poem. For the vast majority of us ‘Auld Lang Syne’ is drunkenly mumbled just after midnight to bring in the New Year. It is used traditionally to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new year at the stroke of midnight, or throughout the night, each New Year’s Eve. Auld Lang Syne is our theme song — and was long before and was long before anyone ever heard us on the radio. Review the English translation of the entire poem for yourself: Should old acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind? The term ‘Auld Lang Syne’ roughly translates to mean ‘for old times’ sake’ and the song is about preserving old friendships and looking back over the events of the year. This tradition began in Scotland, where Hogmanay would be marked by the singing of the song while singers join hands to form a large circle. It is amusing that most people do CHORUS: For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne. O You! Connect at knowledgestew.com and danielganninger.com. Unexpectedly, he started the trend. All glory be to Christ! It's really amusing, honestly, how many of our most famous traditions originated in rather unspectacular fashion. Ours is the sweet and magical version! There is always at least one person who links arms and dances as the clock strikes midnight marking a new year – but doesn’t actually know the words to Auld Lang Syne. This was played just after midnight, and since his band’s performance was being broadcast by radio to homes throughout the country, it inadvertently became a tradition throughout the country. And give me a hand o’ thine! Sally Is Right: ‘Auld Lang Syne’ Really Is About ‘Old Friends’ When Harry Met Sally – … The phrase “auld lang syne” roughly translates to “for old times’ sake.” The goal of the song is to reflect on the events that took place over the year and maintaining friendships. Why Do We Sing Auld Lang Syne at the New Year? When is ‘Auld Lang Syne’ sung? The lyrics of "Auld Lang Syne," by Scottish poet Robert Burns, are printed on a wall as part of an exhibition at New York's Morgan Library & Museum on December 9, 2011. Here’s the English translation of Burns’s poem: Should old acquaintance be forgot,and never brought to mind?Should old acquaintance be forgot,and old lang syne? His will be done His kingdom come On earth as is above Who is Himself our daily bread Praise Him the Lord of love. S ung while standing in a circle and holding crossed hands with your nearest and dearest, it has been sung on New Year's Eve for generations.. The term “Auld Lang Syne” roughly translates to “for old times sake” or “old long since.”. Is there any religious significance? RADIO/TV URBAN LEGEND: "Auld Lang Syne" became a New Year's Eve tradition because of its performance on a radio/TV broadcast for decades. The words Auld Lang Syne is Scots for “old long since.” English speakers might better understand the translation “for old times.”. All rights reserved. To you who boast tomorrow’s gain Tell me what is your life A mist that vanishes at dawn All glory be to Christ! To the band, it was just a song they played at the end of every dance to end the night and say farewell, they had no idea that one New Year’s night would change New Year’s Eve for everyone. Auld Lang Syne is world famous for two main reasons: It’s famous for being sung on New Year’s Eve in English speaking countries around the world, from the USA, to the Philippines, Zimbabwe, India and to Singapore. All glory be to Christ our king! Whenever the clock strikes midnight and people burst into song, it always feels a little cheesy. He passed away of an illness before the age of 40. You can see a full list of the verses from the sources below, just in case you want to sing the whole song. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. When on the day the great I Am The faithful and the true The Lamb who was for sinners slain Is making all things new. And surely I’ll buy mine! The song “Auld Lang Syne” is commonly sung by party revelers as the clock ticks over to a new year, but why is that, and what does it mean? Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/shironosov. Auld Lang Syne has been sung in Scotland for almost three hundred years! We two have paddled in the stream, From morning sun till dine; But seas between us broad have roared Since auld lang syne. The song every body sings to bring in the new year! That led the embattled seraphim to war. Lombardo and His Royal Canadians first played “Auld Lang Syne” on a national radio broadcast at midnight during a New Year’s Eve party held at New York’s Roosevelt Hotel in 1929, and it immediately struck a chord with listeners. What Is the Significance of Biblical Numerology? Truthfully? Why do we sing Auld Lang Syne? Rebekah Drumsta’s work has been globally reaching by serving with various nonprofits and organizations. Auld Lang Syne is a well-known song in English-speaking countries and around the world. A cup of kindness and a beautiful moment to reflect as we move into a new year. It isn’t just used on New Year’s either. In need of a transitional song, Lombardo chose “Auld Lang Syne”. The song is a Scottish poem by Robert Burns, also known as Robbie or Rabbie Burns (25 January 1759 – 12 July 1796) Scotland’s national poet. “Auld Lang Syne” is a poem that was written by Robert Burns in Scotland in 1788. Great is your power and great your fame; Far known and noted is your name; And though yon flaming hollow is your home, You travels far; And faith! She serves as Director of PR for an international non-profit while also hosting her personal blog, RebekahDrumsta.com which focuses on recovery after religious trauma and spiritual abuse. We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet, For auld lang syne. For auld lang syne (For old time's sake)The tradition of singing "Auld Lang Syne" at the turn of the New Year comes to us, as you might expect, from Scottish immigrants who brought the custom with them when they moved abroad. However, the song has been associated with Burns ever since. Many people sing "Auld Lang Syne" every New Year's Eve as the old year goes out and the new year comes in.It is interesting that people don't know the origin of the song or all the words to the song they hear at least once a year. Auld Lang Syne piano and voice with strings (with vocal harmony). By signing up, you will create a Medium account if you don’t already have one. North America Since 1960: A Continuous Flow of Violence, The Events Around Edgar Allan Poe’s Death, Three Created a Fertility Revolution, But One, a Woman, Went Unrecognized. Burn’s last known written expression on religion or Christianity came about 18 months before his death, penned in a letter: What a transient business is life! Hear me, Old Hangman, for a little, And let poor damned bodies be; I am sure small pleasure it can give, Even to a devil, To spank and scald poor dogs like me And hear us squeal. In fact, many people know only the rhetorical question in the first line and no other words in the song.. Auld Lang Syne (not Old Lang Syne) Happy New Year! Awkwardly, every New Year, we sing along with what words we know hoping those around us will not hear. It’s generally thought it means that one should reflect on the past year and on keeping past friendships. It is set to the music of a traditional Scottish folk tune. Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and the days of auld lang syne… Take a look. Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Want to delve into more facts? Interesting facts and fascinating stories about your world and the amazing things in it. Holding his daughter with one arm, while embracing his wife with the other, you hear a chorus of voices ringing in the New Year together singing the beloved old song, Auld Lang Syne. Whenever the clock strikes midnight and people burst into song, it always feels a little cheesy. Is Achieving Self-Actualization a Biblical Concept? In 2012, the Christian group, Kings Kaleidoscope released their album, Joy Has Dawned, which included new words to the tune of Auld Lang Syne: Should nothing of our efforts stand No legacy survive Unless the Lord does raise the house In vain its builders strive. Bible Meaning and Holiday Traditions, Christian Mother's Day Gifts to Share Your Love and God's Love. Then because of the influence of American movies and television shows on pop culture all around the world, conventional depictions of people ringing in the new year to "Auld Lang Syne" … So, why is Auld Lang Syne a traditional holiday or farewell song? 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