In Scotland, “Auld Lang Syne” is traditionally sung at midnight on New Year's Eve after the countdown.
The song uses a Scots phrase meaning roughly “old long since,” or memories of times gone by. Its lyrics are associated with the Scottish poet Robert Burns, who sent a version of the song to a friend in 1788 and described it as an old song. The familiar melody was later paired with the words in the form widely known today.
At New Year's gatherings, people often stand in a circle, cross their arms, and join hands with neighbors during the final verse. The practice became internationally popular through Scottish migration and cultural influence.
Although strongly linked with Hogmanay, Auld Lang Syne is not exclusively Scottish or limited to New Year's Eve. It is also used at farewells, graduations, memorials, and other endings.