Auld Lang Syne! The New Year Moniker

Scottish Poet, Robbie Burns wrote “ Auld Lang Syne” in 1788 and it was then put to music. There was a little controversy that Burns adapted it, or collected phrasing, from a ballad written in 1711 by James Watson.

This melancholy song is often sang at funerals, graduations and as a fairwell, but most of the world will recognize it as the song - sang, at the stroke of midnight, on New Year’s Eve. For the sake of old times.... in several different versions, has become a traditional reflection.   

Olde Saint Sylvester’s Day/ the last day of the year, is celebrated at it’s pivotal point with alcoholic beverages, entertainment & fireworks. Another year is passing, human mortality awakens in people, we reflect on a completed year and anticipate the new year, new chances, new beginnings..... hope.

“Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never thought upon; 

The flames of Love Extinguished and fully past and gone,

Is thy sweet heart now grown so cold, that loving breast of thine; 

That thous canst never once reflect...... on Old long syne”              James Watson

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne* ?                               

CHORUS:

 Joyous celebration of who is in your life.. at the moment

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

The Toasts with "those no longer with us"

We twa hae run about the braes,
and pu’d the gowans fine ;
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit,
sin auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We twa hae paidl’d i' the burn,
frae morning 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 gude-willy waught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS                                                                                        Robert Burns

So what is the difference?   The first version favours the sorrows of relationships ended and the second, cherishes the partnerships that remain.   The later of course, lends much better to an evening of drinking, for there is nothing worse than a whole lot of anguish and booze!

We don’t like to dwell on the mistakes in our lives.  But face them - we must, because it is a result of these ended relationships that we come to realize what does not work for us and this knowledge gives us opportunities to grow. It is understandable that pain remains when those ended relationships are attached to family cords and business connections, because you cannot totally remove these people from your life.

Is it of any wonder, that the essence of Auld Lang Syne is adapted to a more positive outlook?  We must cherish the relationships in our life that do work and not lament over the people who have gone, old lovers, former wives & husbands, in laws and neighbours..... gone. Things end. 

I personally will toast those in my life that have chosen to continue to love me. I cherish you all!

A bit about Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice evergreens 

Winter Solstice is when the sun’s elevation is at it’s lowest - it marks the beginning of the shortening of nights and the lengthening of days.  Its the shortest day of the year.   Age old communities revered this date in preparation for the famine months. Celtic and pagan tribes embraced this astronomical phenomena with cultural and seasonal celebration.

Usually between December 21st and 22nd, historical observances have lead way to christianity’s christmas culture; the tree, the yule, the lights, holly and mistletoe.

But what has the Winter Solstice become?    Many festivities are planned for community gatherings such as group meditations, and “intention ceremonies”.  Some people gather to watch the sunset, symbolically bonding as one.   Some silently light their homes with only candles and modestly decorate with nature based boughs and evergreen arrangements, and of course, many simply do nothing.

Solstice celebrations don’t need to be complicated, or overly serious. It can be a wonderful time to select for reflection, quiet thought and gratitude.  Think of it as a day (or night) as preparation for the commercial festivities or a time to solidify your disposition for the upcoming assault of winter.  

 

Christmas; scholarly debate, traditional & commercial ritual

For millions, Christmas is a religious experience.  Jesus Christ is commemorated.  His birth or his conception.  For those of olde order, the winter solstice marked a perfect time to bring some celebration to people before the deep sleep of winter, sets in. 

Evidence shows that the two merged in tradition and ritual.  The yule log, the pine tree lit with candles, the feasting, the festivities.  Life, death, family connections and then Santa Claus or St Nick - got thrown into the mix. 

Christmas today is 90% commercial.  I personally know very few Christians who are still practicing.  I am neutral to this, for I myself had been risen Christian.  I went to Catholic school and Mennonite Sunday School.   These beliefs are just childhood memories now. 

I honour Jesus as much as I do Buddah and all the other prophets.  As a tale. 

Yes, I believe in a Godly Spirit.  What name I give it, is not important.  

What Christmas has become, is the pulling together of members of a tribe.  Some choose their family, but if families don’t work, some choose the ones who they care for.

Blood or marriage do not automatically make you family.  Love does. 

My Own Kids, love holiday travel. 

The gifts are an expression of this love, because people need to validate their love.

When money is tight, we feel guilt because we cannot bestow our presents, this is wrong because a simple gesture, alone should do. Or so we think.

I didn’t care for Christmas when I was a child because it was often a time of trouble.  As a young woman, I was often alone.  But as a Mother, I learned to see the magic through the eyes of my children and the satisfaction I get bestowing my love upon them, spoiling them, because I love them so. 

With Santa, emphasis is placed on the children and quite honestly, many people gather to make the day special for them.  I know we did.  As children get older and become young adults, you really see that Christmas is just about the gifts.  The religion has faded, it isn’t solemn with grace - its a great party time with shopping and good food.  It is what it is, what it has become.  I think I’m Ok with that!