what does auld lang syne mean

"Auld Lang Syne" is a Scottish poem written by Robert Burns in 1788, which is typically sung on New Years Eve around the world. The phrase "auld lang syne" translates literally to "old long since" in English and means something akin to "times gone by" or "days gone by". The song is reflective in nature and is basically about two friends catching up over a drink or two, their friendship having been long and occasionally distant. The song is traditionally sung to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one, but it is also used to symbolize other "endings/new beginnings" such as farewells, funerals, graduations, and the end of a party. The song has been translated into many languages and is widely sung all over the world.