We take it as a given that this is a worldwide New Year tradition.
But an expert says she has discovered the reason revellers link arms to sing Auld Lang Syne – the tune’s links to Freemasonry.
Morag Grant from the University of Edinburgh, a musicologist who wrote a book on Robert Burns’ most-loved song says that singing it with your arms crossed and your hands together was once part of a Masonic ritual.
A newspaper report of an Ayrshire lodge’s Burns Supper in 1879 describes members forming ‘the circle of unity’ – a common practice among Masons, who are also known for secret handshakes and rituals involving rolling up a trouser leg.
Morag Grant from the University of Edinburgh, a musicologist and author of Robert Burns’ most beloved song, Auld Lang Syne says that singing it with hands crossed was once an ancient Masonic parting ritual. (File image)
A newspaper report of an Ayrshire lodge’s Burns Supper in 1879 describes members forming ‘the circle of unity’ – a common practice among Masons (file picture), who are also known for secret handshakes and rituals involving rolling up a trouser leg
Burns, who passed away in 1796 was a passionate Freemason, and Dr Grant claims that the organization was crucial in helping him promote his work.
Auld Lang Syne gained worldwide fame quickly. In the US, they were used for graduations in 1850s. They then crossed over to Japan in 1881 where Hotaru No Hikari was established.
For Dr Grant’s understanding of the song’s rise to worldwide fame, he analyzed a wide range historical sources including newspapers reports, theatrical playbills and printed music.
“Auld Lang Syne’s thoughts didn’t only resonate with Freemasons,” she stated.
“Some of America’s earliest accounts of the song’s use in parting are from American college graduations of 1850.”
According to Dr Grant, the study shows Auld Lang Syne’s worldwide fame dates back before the inventions of sound recording or radio. However many commentators had previously connected its rise with the beginning of the broadcast age.
Burns (above), who passed away in 1796, had been a passionate Freemason. Dr Grant claims that the organization was crucial in helping to promote his work.
Her book records that Alexander Graham Bell demonstrated the telephone in it in 1877. It was used by Emil Berliner to record the song in 1890.
The song’s popularity at the new year was primarily due to exiled Scots who gathered in London’s St Paul’s Cathedral. However, it also became popular among expatriates living overseas.
The tradition had become so popular by 1929 that it was used at international New Year celebrations in Times Square.
Scouts played an important role in the spread of its fame.
This song was first sung in 1920 at the conclusion of the World Scout Jamboree. Soon, versions in French and German and Greek were available.
Auld Lang Syne, Dr Grant’s book on the song and its culture, explores both the song’s history as well as Burns’ contribution to creating modern songs from old models.
She stated, “It is remarkable that this song written in a language not even the majority of Scots understands has become synonymous with new years around the globe.”
“The song’s many rituals and traditions, as well as the simple tune, are crucial to understand its incredible spread and how we continue to sing it.
“Auld Lang Syne” is a song that speaks of the bonds we have with others over the years. Although it is popular worldwide, its roots are still very much in the Burns world.
OpenBook Publishers publishes Auld Lang Syne, A Song and Its Culture. You can read it online for free.