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December 31, 2017

sing Auld Lang Syne: Happy New Year!





Auld Lang Syne is a song which thrilled the soul of Robert Burns in the 1780s, and today has become an anthem sung the world over at New Year.

First, and to get it out of the way, Robert Burns was a Freemason, but then, what man-of-means back in the 1780's wasn't?   He was initiated into St. David Tarbolton Lodge in Scotland on July 4, 1781.   I won't go into the secret teachings of the Freemason, but I will share their secret handshake with you:

It's a regular handshake, except that you press your forefinger hard into the other's palm.  The thumb presses against the base joints of the second and third fingers.  It looks pretty much like any other handshake; only the persons shaking hands can feel the difference. 

Now, back to Auld Lang Syne:

In 1788, Robert Burns sent the poem 'Auld Lang Syne' to the Scots Musical Museum, indicating that it was an ancient song but that he'd been the first to record on paper.  The phrase 'auld lang syne' roughly translates as 'for old times' sake,' and the song is all about preserving old friendships and looking back over the events of the year.

It has long been a much-loved Scottish tradition to sing the song just before midnight.  Everyone stands in a circle holding hands, then at the beginning of the final verse ('And there's a hand my trusty friend') they cross their arms across their bodies so that their left hand is holding the hand of the person on their right, and their right hand holds that of the person on their left. When the song ends, everyone rushes to the middle, still holding hands, and probably giggling.

Most Scots know the first verse and the chorus but if you don't, here's the full version.

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,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne,


And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp!
And surely I'll be mine!
And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.


Chorus

We twa hae run about the braes
And pu'd the gowans fine;
But we've wander'd mony a weary foot
Sin auld lang syne.


Chorus

We twa hae paidl'd i' the burn,
Frae mornin' sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin auld lang syne.


Chorus

And there's a hand, my trusty fiere!
And gie's a hand o' thine!
And we'll tak a right guid willy waught,
For auld lang syne.


Chorus

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And long, long ago.


Chorus

And for long, long ago, my dear
For long, long ago,
We'll take a cup of kindness yet,
For long, long ago


And surely youll buy your pint-jug!
And surely I'll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
For long, long ago.


Chorus

We two have run about the hills
And pulled the daisies fine;
But we've wandered manys the weary foot
Since long, long ago.


Chorus

We two have paddled in the stream,
From morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
Since long, long ago.


Chorus

And there's a hand, my trusty friend!
And give us a hand of yours!
And we'll take a deep draught of good-will
For long, long ago.


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New Year's Eve, so it be. 


The modern custom of ringing bells and blowing horns to usher in the new year at midnight is actually derived from the old Pagan custom of noise-making to scare away the evils of the old year. In certain parts of Japan, young men put on grotesque demon masks and costumes made of straw and go door to door collecting donations of money, rice cakes, and sake. This traditional New Year's Eve custom serves to drive out the demons of misfortune and ensure an abundant harvest for the new year. Another part of this New Year's Eve celebration was called Hogmanay, or "First Footing," and is still celebrated in many parts of England and Scotland, where revelers hold parties, set off fireworks, ring bells, and make New Year's resolutions.  At the stroke of midnight, the front doors of all the homes are opened to permit the entry of good luck in the new year.

Happy New Year's Everyone, let's hope it's a good one!

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