The Parting Glass The Parting Glass "The Parting Glass" is a Scottish traditional song, often sung at the end of a gathering of friends. It was purportedly the most popular parting song sung in Scotland before Robert Burns wrote "Auld Lang Syne". The "parting glass", or "stirrup cup", or "coupe d'etrier" was the final hospitality offered to a departing guest. Once they had mounted, they were presented one final drink to fortify them for their travels. The custom was practiced in Saxony and in several continental countries. The earliest known printed version was as a broadside in the 1770s and it first appeared
Australia at the 1964 Summer Paralympics ceremony setting a new tradition for subsequent events. The ceremony was held on Thursday 12 November at 5.00pm in the Olympic Gymnasium Annexe, "a grand amphitheatre", according to "Australian Paraplegic". Once again it was attended by the Crown Prince and Princess who gave out numerous special prizes to the outstanding athletes of the Games in front of over 5000 spectators. Sir Ludwig Guttmann attended and gave a speech thanking the Japanese people and the organising committee for putting on such a wonderful event. "Everybody present collectively sang Auld Lang Syne and as the sound of thousands of people joining together