Auld langs syne

[highlander_Daz]

I once attended a new years eve party in England and noticed that they cross arms during the rendition of Auld Langs syne at the bells, does this happen in other countries as well or do you simply hold hands ? I noticed this year (in Scotland) more and more people are crossing arms at the bells, comments please, I was always told not to cross my arms, at least before the second verse? and most scots dont. however it does seem to becomeing more previlant.

Happy new year to you all crossed arms or not!!!

[macwilkin]

I once attended a new years eve party in England and noticed that they cross arms during the rendition of Auld Langs syne at the bells, does this happen in other countries as well or do you simply hold hands ? I noticed this year (in Scotland) more and more people are crossing arms at the bells, comments please, I was always told not to cross my arms, at least before the second verse? and most scots dont. however it does seem to becomeing more previlant.

Happy new year to you all crossed arms or not!!!

At our Burns Night we only "cross arms" at "and here's a hand my trusty...". The group traditionally holds hands before that in a circle, which all of our expats say is correct for Scotland.

Cheers,

Todd

[Hamish]

At our Burns Night we only "cross arms" at "and here's a hand my trusty...". The group traditionally holds hands before that in a circle, which all of our expats say is correct for Scotland.

Cheers,

Todd

That is the way I was first taught too - and still try do it that way, but there are those who cross arms from the first bar and go romping off into the middle of the room straightaway. I hate that!

[Iolaus]

Uhh... crossed arms? ...middle of the room? ...timing?

So there's some kind of "ceremony" to singing Auld Lang Syne? Could someone fill in the details for me?

[macwilkin]

Uhh... crossed arms? ...middle of the room? ...timing?

So there's some kind of "ceremony" to singing Auld Lang Syne? Could someone fill in the details for me?

Be happy to. At the end of a Burns Supper, the company assembles, usually in the center of the dance floor or the center of the room, takes hands & forms a circle, and sings "Auld Lang Syne" -- usually only two verses are sung, and at the line, "And here's a hand my trusty friend..." everyone crosses arms with people on either side of them and begins to them up and down -- at the last chorus, the circle then moves forward towards the center, back again, and then forward.

I've seen it done at other Scottish functions, such as dances and balls, and it was even done at our wedding reception -- with Page & I in the middle of the circle!

Timing is everything, as Hamish said, and some get far too carried away, usually do to a few "wee drams"! ;)

Words do not do it justice, though -- you'd just have to see and experience it for yourself to understand! :mrgreen:

Cheers,

Todd

[Iolaus]

Thanks.

[Southern Breeze]

Interesting thread, I seem to learn something new just about every other day here on X-Marks.

[GMan]

I never knew that, I too am amazed at the knowledge of people on this board.