Auld Lang Syne is the traditional Scottish song commonly sung at midnight during New Year's Eve celebrations worldwide.
The title uses Scots words meaning roughly “old long since,” or times gone by. The song looks back on friendship and shared memories, making it particularly suited to a transition from one year to the next. Its familiar melody and repeated chorus helped it travel far beyond Scotland.
The poem is strongly associated with Robert Burns, who wrote down and adapted verses in 1788, drawing on older Scottish material. Burns did not necessarily invent every word or the tune. Later musical arrangements and performances turned it into an international standard.
People often join hands in a circle during the final verse, though choreography differs between countries. The song is also used at farewells and other ceremonial endings, so its appearance is not limited to New Year's Eve.