“For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup!
and surely I’ll buy mine!
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.”
“Auld Lang Syne”, Robert Burns, 1788
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are two of my favourite days of the year. It’s probably because of that feeling of freshness that accompanies the thought of a new year. Rather weirdly (I now realise!), I also used to be excited about the start of a new school year or term. I think I just really like fresh starts.
Interestingly, though the “New Year” was celebrated more than 4000 years ago, it was only celebrated in Western cultures from about 400 years ago. For instance, in India, New Year is celebrated in the Hindu month of Chaithra (Mid April) and it’s been observed for many millennia: the Yuddhistir Shaka started around 5500 BC!
In fact, even the current date celebrated as “New Year’s” day in the west was chosen in 153 BC by Julius Caesar. If you’re a fan of Roman and Greek mythology, you’ll be interested to know that the month January was named after the God of Doorways – Janus. He was given two faces – one which looked ahead to see what the new year would bring, and the other looked backward to see what happened during the past year. You really can’t move forward if you completely ignore what happened in your past.
New Year’s Day is that day where we can all pat ourselves on the back for making through yet another year. Some of us may still be resting on our laurels if it was a successful year. And some of us may still be battle-scarred if it was a tough year.
But we all have something in common; we’ve pulled through it all to be here to ring in the New Year.
The New Year represents a new beginning – a chance to start afresh with new resolutions for the New Year (unfortunately, I’m as guilty as anyone else of conveniently forgetting those resolutions by the next week!).
Everyone has their traditions for the new year – when we were very young my father insisted that we be up and outside to see the “Old Year Clouds” move over and be replaced by the “New Year Clouds”.
There’s a special joy in counting down those last few seconds until you light off the fireworks to usher in the New Year. And then the invariable hugs, shouting and general pandemonium as everyone celebrates making it through yet another year – another year full of possibilities.
For me I’m looking forward to spending six weeks this year in my native land, doing an optional elective at GHPC.
Have a safe and happy New Year.
