Happy Hogmanay

Well, it's the biggest holiday in Scotland today, and tomorrow and the next day... To start off our first Hogmanay in Scotland, we went to a Ceilidh at the National Museum of Scotland. There were lots of kids, so that made it especially entertaining. Not many people were super proficient, although there was a pair (the guy with the long hair, white T-shirt and kilt) of excellent dancers in the group. We went upstairs to get a better view of the festivities. I loved it, and am hoping to go to a "real" ceilidh soon where I can learn some of the dances.

The last song of the afternoon was Auld Lang Syne. It's a good old traditional Scottish song. The dance is an easy one, so I'll have that dance down pat on my next ceilidh! If you feel like singing along to the little clip below, here are the lyrics:

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup o’ 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 us a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.