Happy New Year, blessed friends and readers!

Do you follow a New Year’s tradition? My Mom reminded me yesterday that no one in our family makes chicken on January 1, lest you scratch for money all year. In lots of cultures, you’re supposed to eat a round thing to bring good luck. The Brazilian people wear white on New Year’s Day. And supposedly, the ancient Babylonians returned borrowed items and paid back their debts on New Year’s Day.

In many English speaking countries, Auld Lang Syne is played as the old year passes away. The title of this traditional ballad is a phrase in Scots language, as spoken by the people of Lowland Scotland. It roughly translates to “for old time’s sake.”

Auld Lang Syne was written by Scotland’s great poet Robert Burns in 1788. The words of his poem were paired with music by George Thomson in 1799.

As much as I love this beautiful song, I was today years old when I learned there is no reference in it to the new year! Yet the beauty of the music and the kindness of the lyrics are almost a benediction for the new year, aren’t they?

Enjoy this beautiful rendition of Auld Lang Syne by the Choral Scholars of University College Dublin. The lyrics are beneath the video.

Auld Lang Syne lyrics

Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?

Should old acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we’ll take a cup of kindness yet for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup, and surely I’ll buy mine! And we’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne

We two have paddled in the stream, from morning sun ’till dine; But seas between us broad have roared since auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne

And there’s a hand my trusty friend! And gi’es a hand o’ thine! We’ll take a right goodwill draught, for auld lang syne!

For auld lang syne