auld lang syne
auld (ôld) Scots adj. Old.
lang·syne also lang syne (lăng zīnˈ) Scots. adv. long ago; long since. n. time long past; times past.
For times gone by. For old times. The song that no one knows*, that everyone mumbles while exchanging kisses on the striking of the New Year seems to be really all about what we all do at the end of the year. We remember. We reflect. We think back on what has happened since our last December 31st. We wonder about what the year to come will bring, and we also consider the experiences that have changed our lives in those twelve months. For me, from year to year, I seem to have polarizing reactions. Either it is “Amen, this year is over. Good riddance!” or it is “How will next year ever compare?” So this year, I challenge myself to remember all of the happenings of this past year and to move forward with a spirit of adventure, acknowledging and letting go of this past year, the joys and the sorrows, as I head forward into the next.
Happy New Year!
*The original song was written by Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1788, and, for the record, here are the original lyrics and the English translation:
| Burns’ Version | English Translation |
| Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind ? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne?CHORUS: For auld lang syne, my jo, And surely ye’ll be your pint-stowp ! CHORUS We twa hae run about the braes, CHORUS We twa hae paidl’d i’ the burn, CHORUS And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere ! CHORUS |
Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind ? Should old acquaintance be forgot, and old lang syne?CHORUS: For auld lang syne, my dear, And surely you’ll buy your pint cup ! CHORUS We two have run about the slopes, CHORUS We two have paddled in the stream, CHORUS And there’s a hand my trusty friend ! CHORUS |
And here’s a clip from one of my favorite movies of all time:
the dic·tion·ar·y pro·ject 