Auld Lang Syne--Many Years Ago

By Naomi Rawlings

Auld Lang Syne is perhaps one of the most played tunes around the world on New Year's Eve. The lyrics come from a 200 year old poem written by Robert Burns (of "The best laid schemes o' mice and men" fame). Burns was the most famous of Scots poets, writing in the traditional Scots dialect, and has been hailed as a national hero by many Scotsmen and Scotswomen.

So what does the title Auld Lang Syne mean? Well, exact interpretations vary, though they all carry a similar meaning. "Old long since," "long, long ago," "days gone by" and "old times" are all possible meanings. The "cup of kindness" mentioned in the chorus refers to a drink shared between friends. Below you'll find an illustration of Auld Lang Syne by John Masey Wright and John Rogers.

Robert Burns claims to have written the "old, old song" down rather than created it himself. Indeed, some of his lyrics bear a striking resemblance to a ballad published at the beginning of the 18th Century, though some of them appear to be original. The tune comes from a traditional Scottish folk song, and the lyrics are as follows:

Should old acquaintance be forgot,

and never brought to mind?

Should old acquaintance be forgot,

and old lang syne?

CHORUS:

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.

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes,

and picked the daisies fine;

But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,

since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,

from morning sun till dine†;

But seas between us broad have roared

since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand my trusty friend!

And give me a hand o’ thine!

And we’ll take a right good-will draught,

for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

Here's Auld Lang Syne sung by Dougie Maclean, one of Scotland's most famous contemporary singers and songwriters. Some of the lyrics are in the original Scots dialect.

Do you sing Auld Lang Syne on New Year's Eve? When are some other times you think the song might be appropriate to sing? And did you have any idea the lyrics had been written by a famous poet?

From everyone here at Heroes, Heroines, and History, have a Happy New Year!

~.~.~.~.~

A mother of two young boys, Naomi Rawlings spends her days picking up, cleaning, playing and, of course, writing. Her husband pastors a small church in Michigan’s rugged Upper Peninsula, where her family shares its ten wooded acres with black bears, wolves, coyotes, deer and bald eagles. Naomi and her family live only three miles from Lake Superior, where the scenery is beautiful and they average 200 inches of snow per winter. She is looking forward to the release of her fourth novel, Falling for the Enemy, in January 2015. For more information about Naomi, please visit her website at www.naomirawlings.com.

HOW PEOPLE MARRIED DURING WORLD WAR II

ANNE GREENE here:

 

The war years of 1941 to 1945 were filled with romance amid pain and suffering. During World War II many women arranged wartime weddings within a few days to accommodate a boyfriend coming home on a 24 hour leave, before being sent to combat. Frequently there was no time to get a special dress and often women could not afford the clothing coupons needed for a wedding dress.

Nevertheless happy weddings took place, with family members donating small amounts of staples like sugar, flour and eggs so that the war bride could bake a wedding cake.

Women borrowed hats, raided gardens for flowers and loaned wedding dresses. Bridesmaids reused dresses worn to other weddings. This sometimes gave a mix and match look to bridal group photographs. Most brides wore clothes so that every item could be used again in a different venue. Friends and family rallied around loaning a hat, a bit of lace, or a dress.

A bride often wore her hair high on top of her head in a waved roll. Abundant hair was helpful, but lack of it did not stop women from adopting the style. Ever resourceful, they used old stockings rolled up to create foundations to be covered by their own hair. This style became popular since it offered the glamour lacking in other areas of wartime life. The look is film star glam.

Army, Navy and Air Corps personnel usually wore their uniforms when they wed. In my book, ANGEL WITH STEEL WINGS, two ladies wed wearing their Women Airforce Service Pilots uniform. 

In 1944, an American B-29 pilot was returning with his crew from a bombing raid over Japan, when the plane’s engine caught fire. The pilot used his parachute to jump from the burning aircraft. Later the chute helped him survive by providing shelter until he was rescued. After returning home from war, he proposed to his girlfriend. She used the life-saving parachute as material for her wedding dress. She modeled her dress on one which appeared in the movie Gone With The Wind. The bride used the original parachute strings to create the train in the back. I can think of no other wedding dress that would be as meaningful as one that saved the life of the groom.

In my World War II historical romance, ANGEL WITH STEEL WINGS, you will find two romantic war time weddings.

Do you have a story about a World War II wedding from your grandmother or mother? Would you leave a comment and share?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANNE GREENE delights in writing about wounded heroes and gutsy heroines. Her second novel, a Scottish historical, Masquerade Marriage, won three prestigious book awards. The sequel Marriage By Arrangement finalled in a number of contests. A Texas Christmas Mystery also won several awards. Look for Anne's soon to be released WWII historical romance, Angel With Steel Wings. Anne’s highest hope is that her stories transport the reader to awesome new worlds and touch hearts to seek a deeper spiritual relationship with the Lord Jesus. Anne makes her home in McKinney, Texas. She loves to talk with her readers. Buy Anne’s books at http://www.Amazon.com. Talk with Anne on twitter at @TheAnneGreene. View Anne’s books, travel pictures and art work at http://www.AnneGreeneAuthor.com.

Learn more about Anne as well as get tips on writing award-winning books at http://www.anneswritingupdates.blogspot.com.