Auld Lang Syne traditionally follows midnight celebrations at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and many other New Year gatherings.
The song uses words associated with the Scottish poet Robert Burns, who wrote down and adapted a traditional Scots song in 1788. Its title means “old long since,” or more naturally, “for old times’ sake.” The lyrics ask whether old acquaintances should be forgotten and celebrate friendship and shared memories.
Although the melody and words are Scottish, the song became an international New Year standard through migration, recordings, broadcasts, and public celebrations. In many places, people form a circle, cross arms, and join hands for the final verse, though customs vary.
Auld Lang Syne is not exclusively a Scottish New Year song. It is also used at farewells, memorials, graduations, and other transitions. In Edinburgh’s Hogmanay setting, it follows the midnight moment; the event itself includes concerts, street festivities, and fireworks. That wider context helps distinguish the song from Scotland’s national anthem or other patriotic songs.