New research reveals the origin of the new year tradition is connected to freemasonry.
"Auld Lang Syne's sentiments didn't just resonate with Freemasons," she said.
Robert Burns was a Freemason. The organisation was instrumental in promoting the poet's work during his life and after his death. Dr Grant uncovered the masonic link while researching her book Auld Lang Syne: A Song And Its Culture, which explores how its popularity spread around the world. The song had already spread to Japan where it was played at graduations. The tune - known as Hotaru no hikari - is still played at the close of business in some shops.
The Scouts also played a key role in its global fame. It was sung at the end of the first World Scout Jamboree in 1920 and versions in French, German, Greek and Polish soon followed.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Freemasonry behind Auld Lang Syne arm-linking at new year, study revealsMasonic connection uncovered as to why revellers link arms when they sing Robert Burns’ best-loved song
Read more »
Roots of Auld Lang Syne found in masonic lodgesThe global tradition of linking arms at new year to sing Auld Lang Syne may have its origins in freemasonry.A study has shown that joining arms to sing the fol
Read more »
Queen's Guard knocks over child while on patrol - here's why they don't stop | ITV NewsSocial media users have branded one of the Queen's Guards 'out of order' after a video went viral of a child being knocked over during a patrol
Read more »
Why Bitcoin’s $100,000 year never happenedTraditional investors may still be shunning Bitcoin, but backers of the world’s most popular cryptocurrency have recorded huge gains this year
Read more »
Why travel bans are usually the wrong way to curb OmicronBritain and America have displayed admirable common sense of late. Both countries removed travel restrictions on southern African countries once it was clear that the variant was circulating at home
Read more »