Tonight at midnight, as we say goodbye to the Old Year and usher in 2011, the strains of ‘Auld lang syne’ will be heard at parties across the country, and many of us will sing or warble a rendition of the traditional ballad. Whether we are under the influence or not, the poignant lyrics and evocative, almost haunting, melody are capable of unleashing a torrent of emotions in the midst of the general euphoria of the birth of the New Year. But what does the song really mean?
Many will know that ‘Auld lang syne’ was originally a poem by Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, and set to the tune of a traditional folk song. Wikipedia tells us that the title may be translated into English literally as ‘old long since,’ or more idiomatically, ‘days gone by’ or ‘old times.’ Thus, “For auld lang syne,” the first line of the chorus, can be loosely translated as ‘for old times’ sake.’
In the poem, written in 1788, Burns looks at friendship through the prism of passing time – or is it the other way round? – and juxtaposes themes of togetherness and loss to get to the crux of one of life’s verities, that nothing lasts forever. But what saves the poem from the merely maudlin is the good cheer of friendship and fellowship, which stands yet in defiance of the passage of time. And in the best tradition of the Romantic Movement, of which Burns was considered by some to be one of the pioneers, the poet draws us into celebrating the emotion of the moment. We do not have to think too deeply on this to recognise why, over the centuries, in the English-speaking world at least, ‘Auld lang syne’ has become synonymous with endings and beginnings, with the transition from the old to the new, and has become an indispensable ingredient of Old Year’s Night/New Year’s Eve festivities, when the symbolism of the magical, midnight moment captures the essence of the circle of life.
Already steeped in the nostalgia and merrymaking of the holiday season, many Guyanese will revel in the climactic celebration of a ‘real Guyanese Christmas,’ as we kiss our loved ones, embrace our friends or, perhaps more soberly, shake hands with them and others. Tears of joy may even be spilled along with some of whatever we are drinking. All is momentarily well with the world and we party on as long as our bodies are up to it.
For those of us who prefer to go to church or stay at home, there will inevitably be a moment of quiet contemplation and reflection, as we think of our families, friends, neighbours and, hopefully, our country. Indeed, even at home, we may play ‘Auld lang syne’ or expect to hear the perennial favourite on the radio.
The effect may be immediate or it may be delayed but at some point, many of us – perhaps the older ones rather than the younger ones – will pause for thought and remember absent friends and relatives. We may raise a glass to them, we may light a metaphoric candle in our hearts, we may smile ruefully. We may remember a particular eccentricity or joke and we may share the happy memory with others and roar with laughter. On the other hand, some of us will shed a tear for those far away in distant lands or those departed, never more to return. And some will weep for their lost ones, as they recall happier times.
But wherever we are, whatever we are doing to mark the end of the Old Year and the beginning of the New Year, whatever our hopes for 2011 and our resolutions, let us keep the spirit of friendship, fellowship and family alive and let us in the words of the song, “take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.”
Happy New Year, Guyana!
