Auld Lang Syne arm-linking at new year linked to Freemasons, book finds

Study of Robert Burns's best-loved song connects joining of arms to masonic circle of unity'

Research has uncovered a masonic connection to why revellers around the world link arms when they sing Auld Lang Syne at new year.

A study of Robert Burns's best-loved song links the practice to Freemasonry, where singing with arms crossed and hands joined was a parting ritual in many lodges.