Tar-Barrel Burning

The custom of men welcoming in the New Year by carrying pans of blazing tar on their heads is still kept up at Allendale, Northumberland, on New Year's Eve. Each of the "carriers", in fancy costume, balances on his head the end of a barrel (or "kit") filled with inflammable material. The procession is timed to reach the unlit bonfire shortly before midnight, then each man in turn tosses his flaming "headgear" on to the bonfire, setting it ablaze. On the stroke of twelve, aH join hands and dance around the fire, singing Auld Lang Syne.^*

^* (Auld Lang Syne - (Sc.) "the days of long ago"; a song by Robert Burns (1759-1796), Scotland's national poet.)

AULD LANG SYNE

 Should auld acquaintance be forgot, 
 And never brought to min'? 
 Should auld acquaintance be forgot, 
 And auld lang syne? 
 Chorus - For auld lang syne, my dear, 
 For auld lang syne, 
 We'll tak a cup o'kindness yet
 For auld lang syne.

(The first verse and the chorus)