Ring out the Old, Ring in the New

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

I’ve sung that song countless times, standing in a circle holding hands with my arms crossed, and never once thought about the lyrics. They’re in Scots English, so they’re not immediately understood. I treated them like most nursery rhymes I know – I just rattled off the words without any thought of their meaning.

I was never really a big fan of New Year’s Eve. I dislike large crowds and am not a big party girl. Most years I would just go to the local pub with my parents and hang out with friends and neighbours I’d known most of my life. I’ve done a few New Year’s Eves in Sydney, where my sister lives. We would camp out on the harbour shore all day long to ensure ourselves a bird’s-eye view of the fabulous fireworks at midnight. The atmosphere was always electric and, despite the crowds, quite congenial.

But I think my favourite New Year’s Eves have been those spent in Lithuania. Typically there would be a gathering of friends and family at someone’s house or perhaps a restaurant. At midnight, regardless of snow coverage or freezing temperatures, everyone bundles up and heads outside where people set off fireworks, pop champagne, sing songs and generally be merry. Every house in the village has their own fireworks and when they all go off at midnight there is quite a display. If you’re lucky, there’ll be a small bonfire to keep you toasty warm while you sing in the New Year.

There’s no singing of Auld Lang Syne here, but to answer the question – no, old acquaintances, either living or departed, should not be forgotten, nor the good times shared with them. Bring on the new, but I hold very dearly to my memories of the old.

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