Auld Lang Syne — "On küünlavalgus hell ja soe" (Estonian)

This is one of three Estonian-language renditions of Auld Lang Syne, written by Heldur Karmo to the Scottish folk tune. Like the Burns original, the song frames a final waltz, a parting at the end of an evening, and the bittersweet weight of memory.

The original Estonian opens: "On küünlavalgus hell ja soe, süda valsitaktis lööb" — "The candlelight is soft and warm, the heart beats in waltz-time". The full text is on the Estonian version of this article.

In Scotland the song is sung at the close of Hogmanay and at the end of a ceilidh, with everyone in a ring holding hands. For the last verse the arms are crossed (right over left) and joined with the neighbours' to either side. ScottEst hosts ceilidhs throughout the year — see the Scottish Party section for our themed events.