Out with the old. In with the new. I grew up with this saying annually at year end. The meaning of the words "auld lang syne" is symbolic not only physically but mentally and spiritually as well.
"Auld Lang Syne" is a Scottish song. In the English-speaking world, it's traditionally sung to bid farewell to the old year at the stroke of midnight on (Hogmanay, or New Year's Eve). It's also often heard at funerals and graduations and as a farewell or ending to other occasions, such as several branches of the Scouting movement use it to close jamborees and other functions.
The text is a Scots-language poem written by Robert Burns in 1788, but based on an older Scottish folk song. In 1799 it was set to a traditional pentatonic tune, which has since become standard, with listings as numbers 6294 and 13892 in the Roud Folk Song Index.
Translated into standard English, we know the meaning to be "old long since" or, less literally, "long long ago", "days gone by", "times long past", or "old times". The phrase, "For auld lang syne", as it appears in the first line of the chorus, might be loosely translated as "for the sake of old times".
The phrase "Auld Lang Syne" is also used in similar poems by Robert Ayton (1570–1638), Allan Ramsay (1686–1757), and James Watson (1711), as well as older folk songs predating Robert Burns.
I never tire of listening to the song, so located an instrumental version.
The standard English Version of the lyrics is below:
Auld Lang Syne
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?
Chorus
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 o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
Chorus
We two have run about the hills,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we've wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.
Chorus
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.
Chorus
And there's a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o' thine!
And we'll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.
Chorus
The theme for my current mixed media project I thought of as I dwelt on the new year and all that had occurred in 2025. I don't know if my design reflected the true meaning of Auld Lang Syne, but it felt as such to me. Several important events happened to me personally this year that will affect my perspective going forward.
One was the loss of my precious niece who was about to celebrate her 45th birthday earlier in the year. A devastating blow as she was like one of my own daughters. Rarely does one have family young family members who take time out of their busy schedule to check on a senior citizen family member. For that, I will always be grateful. My heart still aches for her as she always visited during the holidays, especially Christmas.
In preparing my design, I didn't want to reflect on merely death, but the passing of old into the new. The main theme of the song, "should old acquaintance be forgot" always choke me as I never want to forget certain events or people who have deeply affected me.
Below are my steps in which I utilized Canva, my design program, to blend the different type images. I began with a blank, white canvas, then added layers of elements.
After completion of the still version, I used Photo Mosh Pro to add animation. The "MELT" filter variation provided the subtle movement.
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The images I included are listed below. The first two images I retrieved from the stable diffusion program, StarryAI titled Inner Reset Button and Geometry No. 4.
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Female with orange flowers in hair ~ Night yellow moon ~ Black square abstract lines ~ Black lines ~ Red Tulip
I share with you my completed design:
Thanks for taking the time to view my post. I hope you like my mixed media project.
SOURCES:
a) JustClickindiva's Footer created in Canva utilizing its free background and images used with permission from discord admins.
b) Unless otherwise noted, all photos taken by me with my (i) Samsung Galaxy 10" Tablet, (ii) Samsung Phone, & (iii) FUJI FinePix S3380 - 14 Mega Pixels Digital Camera
c) Purple Butterfly part of purchased set of Spiritual Clip Art for my Personal Use
d) All Community logos, banners, page dividers used with permission of Discord Channel admins.
e) Ladies of Hive banner used with permission of and in accordance with the admin's guidelines
f) Thumbnail Image created by me in Canva.
g) "Flames." What is Apophysis 2.09. https://flam3.com/
If translation included, I use DeepL to assist my readers.
Thanks for your patience and understanding.
It's a very beautiful song, its lyrics are profound and speak to what we all go through. It's really about the old, not just the material, we have to leave it behind so that new and beautiful things can come. Your design is melancholic and charming, at the same time it makes me think of that look.
Very happy new year 2026!🎊
Hello @avdesing. Happy New Year to you also. Hope yours will be a healthy and prosperous one. You know, I thought about leaving the old behind to make room for the new. The popular saying to shake off the past and leave it there is a double-edged sword. Only if we truly learn from past events that are detrimental to our well being can we move on with confidence of a better future. Some situations are meant to remain with us as a testament, I believe because as time passes, we forget or the incident becomes vague in our memory. Only by remembering can we draw upon the past to view the current same or similar issue with fresh eyes and understanding. That's just my take on it.
Thanks so much for your visit and insight. I appreciate it and your support of my work throughout 2025. Look forward to engaging with you this year if we both are still here and working on Hive. Take care.
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If we do not deal with the past, we cannot create a better future, we learn from the past. Thank you very much and we will be here!🤗
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Happy New Year. !BBH
Same to you @fiberfrau. Hope you and your family are well and have a prosperous year. Take care.
Es fascinante conocer la rica historia detrás de "Auld Lang Syne". Más allá de su fama mundial como canción de fin de año, su origen en la poesía escocesa antigua le da una profundidad conmovedora. Que hayas encontrado una versión instrumental es perfecto, pues permite apreciar la pura belleza melódica que ha emocionado a generaciones, conectándonos con esos "viejos tiempos" que la letra tan bellamente evoca.
Gracias 🌻
Hello @marabuzal and nice to meet you. Thanks so much for stopping by. I'm so pleased you found my article explaining the history of the New Year's Eve song interesting. Yes, anytime you can connect to something you love that has meaning provides another level of understanding about the past that gives individuals the tools to decide what is best for them and their future.
I appreciate your thoughtful insight and was happy to her you liked the instrumental version of the song. I tried to choose one that was pleasing to the ear while reading my article and enjoying my depiction of the meaning through the design.
Take care and have a Happy New Year. Look forward to engaging with you again soon.
Hola, @marabuzal, encantado de conocerte. Muchas gracias por visitar mi página. Me alegra mucho que te haya parecido interesante mi artículo sobre la historia de la canción de Nochevieja. Sí, cada vez que conectas con algo que te gusta y que tiene significado, alcanzas un nuevo nivel de comprensión del pasado que te proporciona las herramientas necesarias para decidir qué es lo mejor para ti y tu futuro.
Agradezco tu reflexiva opinión y me alegra saber que te gustó la versión instrumental de la canción. Intenté elegir una que fuera agradable al oído mientras se lee mi artículo y se disfruta de mi descripción del significado a través del diseño.
Cuídate y que tengas un feliz año nuevo. Espero volver a interactuar contigo pronto.
@topcomment
Un placer.
Gracias por el gesto! ✨✨
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