What is the traditional New Year's Eve song associated with Robert Burns's 1788 poem?

Auld Lang Syne is the traditional New Year's Eve song associated with Robert Burns's 1788 poem.

Burns wrote down and adapted the Scottish poem in 1788, drawing on older Scots verses and folk material. The title means “old long since,” or more naturally, “for old times' sake.” Its words ask whether old friendships and shared memories should be forgotten.

The melody now commonly used with the words was paired with the song in the nineteenth century. The tune and lyrics spread widely through Scottish communities and later through recordings, radio, and New Year's broadcasts.

Auld Lang Syne is not exclusively a New Year's song. It is also sung at farewells, reunions, graduations, memorial occasions, and other moments of transition. Pronunciation and wording can vary, and many celebrants know only the opening lines, but the song's association with midnight on December 31 is especially strong in English-speaking countries.