Auld Lang Syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?
 
Original Scots verse by Robert Burns
 
Auld Lang Syne is a Scots language poem written in 1788 by Robert Burns (1759 – 1796). The poem is set to the tune of a traditional folk song. In many English-speaking countries, the song is most often sung on New Year’s Eve; however, it is common to hear the song at funerals, graduations, and on other occasions celebrating the close or end of something significant.
 
The word auld (old) is from 14th century Scottish. The term lang syne (long ago) is Scottish from around 1500. A langsyner was a person who lived long ago. Syne, a Scottish form of the word ‘since’, is from around 1300.
 
There are several English translations of auld lang syne; for example, old long since, long long ago, days gone by, old times, for the sake of old times, but the most common translation appears to be ‘old times sake’.
 
In the 17th century (i.e., the time of the Protestant Reformation in Europe), Protestant authorities in the England and Scotland banned Christmas as a ‘popish’ festival; in particular, by Acts of Parliament in 1644 and 1647. In England, this ban remained in effect only until 1660. The 17th century English Puritans in Massachusetts banned Christmas for a generation.
 
However, in Scotland, Christmas was not officially celebrated for the next three hundred years. During this period, New Year’s became the main mid-winter festival and the singing of Auld Lang Syne became part of these celebrations. Christmas did not become an official holiday in Scotland until 1958.
 
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auld_Lang_Syne