Auld Lang Syne

High school (ages 12+)
Holidays & Celebrations

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/auld-lang-syne

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the scots title translation?Literally 'old long since,' poetically 'long long ago' or 'days gone by'
2. What is the poet and year?Robert Burns, 1788
3. What does the title "Auld Lang Syne" mean?The title comes from the Scots language and literally means "old long since." It poetically refers to old times or days gone by.
4. Why do people sing "Auld Lang Syne" on New Year's Eve?It marks the end of one year and the beginning of another. Singing it together, often with linked arms, helps everyone feel united and remember shared moments.

Scots Language: A West Germanic language historically spoken in Scotland, distinct from Scottish Gaelic.
Folk Song Adaptation: The process of taking traditional songs and modifying their lyrics or melody.
Pentatonic Scale: A musical scale with five notes per octave, common in many folk and traditional music styles globally.
Hogmanay: The Scottish term for the last day of the year, celebrated with festivities.