6. Why do we sing Auld Lang Syne for New Year? Why is holly spiky? Why do some animals have four legs and some have two legs? Ft special guest expert Simon Loader.

Full Episode description

This week we have three questions from Teddy, Eleanor and Molly, with help from special guest expert Simon Loader from the Natural History Museum.

They would like to know why holly is spiky, why we sing Auld Lang Syne on New Year’s Eve and what it means as well as why some animals have four legs and some have two legs?

Discover why we sing Auld Lang Syne on New Year’s Eve, where the song came from, what it means, how Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns made it famous and why we sing it on New Years Eve. Find out about the piece of paper covered in Burns’ handwriting kept in a briefcase in a secret location in the Mitchell Library in Scotland – this paper that started the worldwide tradition of singing the song each year is a precious treasure that is included in our host, Molly Oldfield’s book, The Secret Museum.

To answer the legs question we have Simon Loader, the curator in charge of vertebrates – creatures with a backbone – at the Natural History Museum in London. Plus, if you want to use your legs for something fun this Christmas, tune in to find out how you can win tickets for all of your family to go ice-skating at the Natural History Museum in London this holiday.

Enjoy the show! For more information about the show and how to send in a question please check out the website www.everythingunderthesun.co.uk

This week’s episode was edited by Tyler Simmons Dale, theme music by Ash Gardner, logo by Billy Colours and music by Audio Networks.

Thank you! Happy 2019.

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