31 Dec 2024
On This Day
31 December 2024 Cheryl

31 December 1796: Auld Lang Syne

Earliest of six known manuscripts of Robert Burns' song Auld Lang Syne & 1841 illustration of the poem

Auld Lang Syne is traditionally sung at the conclusion of New Year gatherings. At Hogmanay in Scotland, it is common practice that everyone joins hands with the person next to them to form a great circle. At the beginning of the last verse, everyone crosses their arms across their breast, so that the right hand reaches out to the neighbour on the left and vice versa. When the tune ends, everyone rushes to the middle, while still holding hands. [1]

Auld Lang Syne was first published in 1796. The song has a fascinating history.

Scottish poet Robert Burns said that he had transcribed it from an old song and polished the verses, making it both a preservation and an enhancement of Scottish tradition. He sent the song to James Johnson for inclusion in The Scots Musical Museum Vol 5, a collection of traditional Scottish songs. But this publication was years in the making, finally being released in 1796, the year of Burns’ death. Meanwhile, in 1793, Burns also sent a slightly revised version of the lyrics to publisher George Thomson for inclusion in another anthology, A Select Collection of Original Scottish Airs. This anthology also faced delays, eventually being published in 1799, three years after Burns’ passing.

Auld Lang Syne is a cherished song that embodies themes of friendship, reflection, and nostalgia. The phrase, which means “old long since” or “times gone by” in Scots, is rooted in earlier Scottish poetry and oral tradition. While Burns set his lyrics to a Scots folk melody, the tune we recognise today likely originates from William Shield’s Rosina (1782). This later adaptation gave the song its universal appeal, combining Burns’s heartfelt poetry with a soulful, widely embraced melody.

By the 19th century, Auld Lang Syne had become a hallmark of Scottish gatherings, especially at Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve). Scottish immigrants spread its use globally, where it became a symbol of farewells and new beginnings. Its popularity soared in the 20th century, thanks in part to Guy Lombardo’s New Year’s Eve performances in the United States.

Today, Auld Lang Syne transcends its origins and is sung worldwide at moments of transition. Its message of cherishing past connections while looking forward with hope ensures its lasting relevance, making it one of Robert Burns’s most enduring legacies.