Auld Lang Syne
Friendship is one of life's greatest gifts, and it (value) in both Eastern and Western cultures. One of the most famous sayings about friendship in China can be found in the words of Confucius: "Isn't it a joy when friends visit from faraway places?"
In the UK, there is an (equal) famous poem about friendship. It reminds people (remember) and value old friendships, as they look to the years ahead. That poem is Auld Lang Syne. "Auld Lang Syne" is Scots and translates word for word as "old long since", (mean) "days gone by".
The poem was written by the great Scottish poet Robert Burns. After listening to "an old man's singing", Burns wrote down the words and added a few lines of his own. The poem was printed in 1796, just after Burns' (die). It was given a new tune, and over the years became the song that is so familiar to us today.
Joyful at the same time a bit sad, Auld Lang Syne has featured in many films, including Waterloo Bridge, the film made the song widely known to Chinese audiences.
Today, Auld Lang Syne has been translated into many different languages, and is one of the world's best-loved songs. It's played parties, celebrations, festivals, and even at some shopping centers at closing time. Whatever language or occasion, it has become symbol of friendship and shared experience— we can sing it or not.
