As we say “goodbye” to 2014 and say “hello” to 2015, in our small corner of the world we’ve had a pretty good year. I know I have – continued good health, a job I love that has put in contact with wonderful people, a great church family and a husband that is an answer to a prayer. Most New Year’s parties end with the singing of Auld Lang Syne. We can thank Scotsman, Robert Burns for this poem turned song.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mine?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We’ll tak a cup o ’kindness yet
For auld lang syne.
There are several more verses, but these are the most familiar. Auld Lang Syne translates Old Long Since. “We’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet” refers to the tradition of raising a glass or a cup o’ kindness meaning with “good will, friendship and kind regard” and in remembrance of “noble deeds”. The custom of drinking a “health” at a special gathering to the prosperity or good health of another dates back to antiquity. The old Christmas term “Wassail” derives from the Old Norse phrase “ves heill” meaning “be healthy”.
It’s about old friends who have parted and meet again. To celebrate their long friendship, they share a drink together and reminisce of memories from long ago. The basic message is that we should not forget our old friends and should celebrate a reunion with them.
The traditional way to sing “Auld Lang Syne” is to join hands and 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 and vice versa.
When the tune ends, everyone rushes to the middle, while still holding hands. When the circle is re-established, everyone turns under the arms to end up facing outward with hands still joined.
Now that you’ve been sufficiently educated on “Auld Lang Syne”, let’s talk practicality.
· Call an old friend you haven’t seen or heard from since who knows when
· Start a conversation with “do you remember when we”
· Have a girls or boys day out
· Make a new friend
· Connect with your new friends so they can become your “old and dear” friends
· Toast your friends with coffee, wine, or a beer
· Sing “Auld Lang Syne”, dance and have a cup o ‘kindness
Happy New Year and many more
Roxie, Mayor Totr’ville