Auld Lang Syne

"Auld Lang Syne" is a Scottish poem believed to be written by Robert Burns in 1788 ... and is often sung to celebrate the start of the New Year at the stroke of midnight. By extension, its use has also become common at funerals, graduations, and as a farewell or ending to other occasions.

Source: Wikipedia

"Auld Lang Syne" is traditionally sung at the conclusion of a gathering in Scotland and around the world, especially in English speaking countries.

It is common practice that everyone joins hands with the person next to them to form a great circle around the dance floor. At the beginning of the last verse, everyone crosses their arms across their breast, so that the right hand reaches out to the neighbour on the left and vice versa. When the tune ends, everyone rushes to the middle, while still holding hands. When the circle is re-established, everyone turns under the arms to end up facing outwards with hands still joined.

In countries other than Scotland the hands are often crossed from the beginning of the song at variance with Scottish custom. The Scottish practice was demonstrated by the Queen at the Millennium Dome celebrations for the year 2000. The English press incorrectly berated her for not "properly" crossing her arms, unaware that she was correct.

As well as celebrating the New Year, Auld Lang Syne is very widely used to symbolise other "endings/new beginnings" - including farewells, funerals, graduations, the end of a (non-New Year) party or a Boy Scout gathering, and even the closing of a retail store. The melody is also widely used for other words, especially the songs of sporting and other clubs, and even national anthems. In Scotland and other parts of Britain, in particular, it is assocated with celebrations and memorials of Robert Burns.

Source: Wikipedia