Auld lang syne is an old Scottish term that is often used on New Year’s Eve. We will look at the meaning of the phrase auld lang syne, where it originated and some examples of its use in sentences.
Auld lang syne means old times past, times gone by. Auld lang syne is probably best known for a song by the same name that is traditionally sung at midnight on New Year’s Eve, nostalgically remembering the people and events in the past year. Robert Burns is credited with writing the ballad Auld Lang Syne in 1788, however a ballad entitled Old Long Syne by James Watson was published in 1711 with similar lyrics. In fact, Robert Burns claimed to have collected a rendition of Auld Lang Syne from an old man, sending it to the Scots Musical Museum. Guy Lombardo, an American band leader is credited with spreading the tradition of playing and singing the song Auld Lang Syne at midnight on New Year’s Eve.
Examples
We might be concentrating on New Year’s Resolutions and finding somebody nearby for a celebratory kiss at midnight, but Auld Lang Syne is a reminder to remember and cherish old friendships, good deeds and toast health and good will for the year ahead. (The Telegraph)
The soundtrack will start with the classic “Auld Lang Syne” — be sure to snag a New Year’s Day smooch at midnight — and conclude with Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” during the show’s grand finale. (The Las Vegas Review-Journal)
Often the evening then results in dancing and everyone joining hands to sing Auld Lang Syne to bid a late farewell to the old year at the stroke of midnight. (The Bristol Post)