We’ll tak a cup o kindness yet

Well the year is drawing to a close and like most superstitious Scottish women the year end is marked by important traditions.

Now I wouldn’t say I stick to them rigidly but there are things that always mark the end of the year for me.  For one on the last day of the year I am like a crazy woman trying to get the house tidy.  It’s unlucky to bring in the New Year in with a house that’s untidy.  No washing, ironing and certainly no dishes.  The bin must be emptied and the house must be warm and cosy with traditional food like black bun, shortbread oh and of course a glass or two to toast at the bells.

Of course if you read this blog regularly you will know that I ain’t no crazy housewife in the domestic department, but I will do my bit tomorrow in the spirit that has been drummed into me by my mother and grandmother.  As I go about my task this is always marked by one thing, I am frequently tearful.  Yes I will be that woman going about my business tomorrow bursting into tears on a fairly regular basis.  It won’t be the arduous housework workout that will bring this on it will be the stream of memories that will flood through my head and heart tomorrow. Memories of New Years past and people no longer there to toast at the bells.

My husband knows this of course.  At the prospect of spending the day trying to duck out of the way of a blubbering, snottery wife with red eyes and a Dyson going like the clappers he has opted for a trip to Aberdeen to meet up with our architect.  I am pleased to have the opportunity to get the whole thing out of my system ready to change into my party frock and put a bit of lippy on.  When he returns both the house and me will be transformed and ready to celebrate the New Year.

For me New Year is of course summed up by one famous song, Auld Lang Syne.  For some it is seen as an expression of friendship and hope.  For others it is about remembering the past and re-affirming the future.  I’ve been singing it since I was a little girl and I think it is all of these things.  Here’s the words, and the translation.

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

This first verse means…that old acquaintances should be forgotten and never remembered for long ago.  Then the chorus….

For auld lang  syne, my dear
For auld Lang syne,
We’ll tak a cup o kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

The chorus tells us….For old long ago, my dear, for old long ago, we’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for old long ago.  The next verse…

And there’s a hand my trusty fiere,
And gie’s a hand o thine
And we’ll tak a right guid-willie waught,
For auld lang sine

This means…. and there’s a hand my trusty friend and give me a hand of yours, and we’ll take a good drink/toast for old long ago.

There are two other verses but these are the ones, with the chorus that are usually sung.

So I give this to you for the New Year.  I’ll be humming it and greeting (crying) as I do my housework, but not sad tears, just memories – for old long ago.

The other important tradition is ‘the first foot’ which is the first person over your door in the New Year.  It is said that it is lucky for it to be a dark haired man.  He must have something to eat with him, a bottle and a piece of coal.  Bringing his good will with him this should ensure that your house is happy, warm and food is aplenty throughout the year.

Now I know some of you gals who read my blog are without a man in your life, so my wish for you is that your first footer is tall, dark and handsome and doesn’t just bring a bottle and a bit of shortbread. Who knows they might even throw in a New Year snog if you’re up for it

For everyone though that has taken the time to stop by my wee blog this year I give you a cup of kindness to carry you into 2012.  Whatever else we have in our lives we all need kindness and I wish this for you.

I leave you with the lovely Eddi Reader singing Auld Lang Syne at the opening of the Scottish Parliament.  Happy New Year when it comes folks