Auld Lang Syne: New Year’s Tradition Explained

The Enduring Legacy of “Auld Lang Syne”: A Song for New Beginnings and Remembering the Past

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, the strains of “Auld Lang Syne” fill the air, a tradition recognized around the globe. But beyond its ubiquitous presence at New Year’s celebrations, the song boasts a rich history, evolving from a Scottish folk tune into a cultural touchstone featured in countless films and covered by a diverse range of artists.

From Scotland to the World: The Origins of a Timeless Melody

The lyrics to “Auld Lang Syne,” as we know them today, were penned by Robert Burns in the 1780s, though he himself acknowledged it as an older song he was simply preserving in written form. Burns, known for his contributions to Scottish literature, frequently adapted existing folk songs, refining and recording them for posterity.

According to Scotland.org, the phrase “auld lang syne” roughly translates to “for old times’ sake,” encapsulating the song’s central theme of cherishing old friendships and reflecting on the year gone by. The Morgan Library further clarifies that the phrase loosely means “time gone by” or “old time’s sake.”

Originally written in the Scots language, the song spread throughout the British Isles with the movement of Scottish people, eventually making its way to the United States and Canada, where it was translated into English. The melody that accompanies the lyrics today was established in 1799, solidifying the song’s enduring form.

A Scottish Tradition: Hogmanay and the Circle of Friendship

In Scotland, “Auld Lang Syne” is deeply intertwined with the celebration of Hogmanay, the Scots word for New Year’s. The tradition involves forming a circle, holding hands, and singing the song together. As the final verse begins, participants cross their arms across their bodies, and upon the song’s conclusion, they rush toward the center of the circle—a symbolic gesture of unity and shared experience.

“For generations, it’s been sung at New Year because it’s perfect for it,” a Scottish poet told CNN. “There’s nothing in the song that dictates it should be sung then. People just had an emotional compass for it. They gathered outside town halls and sang it, and it drifted—like a great, beautiful glacier of song—into that New Year position.”

The American Connection: Guy Lombardo and the “Mr. New Year’s Eve” Legacy

The song’s association with New Year’s in the United States and Canada was significantly bolstered by bandleader Guy Lombardo. Beginning in 1929, Lombardo’s live radio broadcast on New Year’s Eve became a national institution, earning him the moniker “Mr. New Year’s Eve” according to the CBC. He consistently included “Auld Lang Syne” in his annual broadcast, and his recording remains the version played in Times Square after the ball drop.

Beyond New Year’s: A Song for All of Life’s Transitions

While most strongly associated with New Year’s, “Auld Lang Syne” transcends seasonal boundaries. It frequently appears at graduations, retirements, funerals, and other events marking significant endings and beginnings. In Scotland, it is even a common feature at wedding ceremonies.

However, a Burns scholar clarified to the BBC in 2013 that the song is fundamentally about reunion, not farewell. It’s a celebration of coming together, not simply a lament for times past. “It is something to do with that melody as well as the Burns lyrics, because the lyrics are sometimes known and sometimes not,” he said.

A Pop Culture Phenomenon: From Film to Modern Covers

“Auld Lang Syne” has permeated popular culture, receiving covers from a remarkably diverse array of artists, including Mariah Carey, Kenny G, Sufjan Stevens, The Beach Boys, Phish, B.B. King, Billy Idol, and even Jimi Hendrix.

The song’s emotional resonance has also made it a frequent inclusion in film soundtracks. Beyond its iconic appearance in When Harry Met Sally—where a character famously questions its meaning—it features in classics like It’s a Wonderful Life, The Apartment, Forrest Gump, Iron Man 3, Carol, Phantom Thread, and While You Were Sleeping. It even inspired Dan Fogelberg’s 1980 song, “Same Old Lang Syne.”

Today, “Auld Lang Syne” continues to be a staple of large-scale New Year’s celebrations worldwide, and has been translated into numerous languages, maintaining its popularity across cultures. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its simple yet profound message: a call to remember the past, cherish friendships, and embrace the future together.