I had never heard of such a crazy thing. Sounds like a pagan custom. Or Jim Jones rally. Also the subject of this post -- hand holding and exposing armpits -- I'm going to guess this is one of the stinky fruits of Vatican II. Goes without saying we don't do these things at the Latin Mass.
The celebrant has the congregation do it in the parish where I interpret. I agree; it’s a little creepy looking.
I went to a mass in New Orleans a couple days ago. We were asked to hold hands during the Our Father. Is this wrong? Louisiana is like 99% catholic. I mean it seems pretty natural to me.