"They also called Mykola Leontovych a Russian composer, despite the fact that Russians killed him for being a Ukrainian."
And this sentence alone is the epitome of russia, over and over and over again. What they cannot destroy in whole or in part, they claim as their own, and the world eagerly and readily believes it, even as our continued fight for existence proves otherwise. Even as I recognize the same struggles played over and over again today, I did not know Shchedryk was written in Pokrovsk, and every new realization is a stab in a heart I didn't know had enough flesh left for new wounds.
Thank you for this piece, Darya. I have heard various histories of this song many times before, but the strength in your voice and in your writing is in the simple humanity of every single story. Stories others would relegate to the dry definition of "history", something to be studied and not something that was, and continues to be, lived. It's easier to dismiss something as "history", when you don't need to take accountability for living in it now. The daily individual and collective hardships, courage, loss, love. Always I wonder what my family's stories are, but because of russia, I do not even know their names - and it's preserving each and every story you can, like you continue to do, that proves "I sing, therefore I exist".
Thank you! I didn’t know that Shchedryk was written in Pokrovsk, either, and I found out when I started researching for the article. While I knew about Mykola Leontovych, I had no idea about the tragic and incredible story of the Ukrainian choir. I couldn’t imagine their feelings during the journey and mission to bring Ukrainian culture to the world. They left in a hurry and never returned to their homes and families, and didn’t know what happened to them. Their sacrifice and resilience deeply moved and inspired me.
And I felt absolutely furious reading how Russians did everything to make the choir fail, to persuade the world to ignore Ukraine, and as you said, when they couldn’t do it, even after they killed the composer of Shchedryk, they just stole the fame and appropriated it.
Thank you for your kind words of feedback and encouragement! I wish there were a way for you to learn about your family. But we know how much information was destroyed and buried in the Soviet archives in order to erase Ukrainian history and existence. However, from what you’ve written before, I think you can feel their stories in your heart ❤️🫂
Mine too! I have a beautiful memory of spending Christmas and New Year’s Eve in a village in the Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains about 8 years ago. People sang carols (shchedrivky), and we had lots of delicious food and danced. I miss those times ❤️🩹
Such a beautiful memory, Darya. I miss those moments so much. The way the celebrations bring everyone together is unforgettable, with the twelve dishes on the table. I loved when people started to sing.
I visited Synevyr National Park during the summer. One of my favorite breakfasts I miss is homemade jam with Ukrainian cottage cheese, or the amazing Ukrainian cottage cheese pancakes paired with green tea. And borscht, of course. I love the remarkable work that Klopotenko is doing. Thanks to him borscht is now globally recognized and listed by UNESCO as part of Ukrainian heritage. 💛
Thank you so much for sharing the real story of Shchedryk. I already knew it, but it brought back so many cherished memories for me too. Stay safe ❤️🩹
❤️ Syrnyky (cottage cheese pancakes) are the best! Ukrainian nature is breathtaking. I wish more people could visit Ukraine, see how big and beautiful it is, try the food, immerse themselves in the culture, and understand why Ukrainians fight so fiercely to protect it.
I love it so much that I now do it regularly at home. I found a similar quality product at a Polish store close to where I live. 🤍
I do what I can and share about Kyiv, which was the historical capital of Kyivan Rus, officially founded in 1147 by Yuri Dolgoruki, while Moscow was just a swamp at that time.
Thank you for the lessons you taught me. During my travels to Ukraine, you teached me that clear minds make better choices, strong bodies endure harsh realities, and prepared spirits navigate storms. ❤️
Loved reading your post about Mykola Leontovych and Shchedryk so much. It really resonated with me since I have been writing my piece for a year now.
A year ago on the 16th December my wife and I were at a concert of our local Just Sing and Just Sing Kids choirs. My daughter is in the kids choir and I have a load of friends in the ladies choir.
Carol of the Bells was sung three times that night, once by the kids and twice by the ladies.
I already knew the story of Shchedryk since Timothy Snyder had spoken about it in one of his online lectures.
I researching for my article I learned just how much Russia displayed hatred for all aspects of Ukraine’s culture and history.
Even musical instruments like the Zither were suppressed.
And most infamously the murder of Leontovych is and example of Russias desire to destroy all of Ukrainian society.
Thank you! Yes, the story of Shchedryk is the ultimate story of Ukraine’s fight for survival and freedom, and it echoes the current events so much that it makes me shiver. The fact that Russians continue to do the same they did a hundred years ago, and the world continues to overlook it and give Russians the benefit of the doubt and unlimited sympathy — I just don’t have the words to describe the catastrophe of it.
Thank you for researching, learning, and writing about Ukraine, its history, and culture! It means so much that ordinary people, despite the biases of politicians and media, continue to see the truth through so many lies and endless propaganda. I hope that Shchedryk's story will continue to inspire people to learn about Ukraine and support Ukrainians in their fight for freedom and existence 💙💛
Дякую. I enjoyed doing the research and as well as that it seemed that I was being called to write it.
I’m just back from our annual pre Christmas Carol Service in our Church and sadly Carol of the Bells was not sung by our Church Choir this year. Still maybe next year.
Would love it if you would be willing to recommend my article and or newsletter.
Thank you, Darya! I have been commenting on some Instagram posts showcasing this song. My comment — which mentions the Ukrainian composer’s murder by a Soviet (aka Russian) agent, has gotten a lot of attention so far. Let me know if you want the link to the Instagram post.
Dear Darya, thank you so much for sharing this heartrending story with us. I found the history of the Ukrainian Choir's concerts across Europe, the US, Central and South America very interesting. Heartbreaking to read about Russian efforts to appropriate Ukrainian art and culture as their own, and to consider that Leontovych never knew the success of his timeless composition. Also heartbreaking to consider how Ukrainians only found out about this history until the early 1990s! It is important we read and stay aware of history.
Being Belgian myself, I was particularly interested seeing the document and picture of Elisabeth, Queen of the Belgians (who was indeed of Bavarian/Portugese descent but became Queen of the Belgians). Nice to see her appreciation for the Ukrainian Choir's performance. (She was a great lover and supporter of the arts. To this day we have an international music competition for top musicians from all over the world, which carries her name.)
I am truly grateful to you for writing this beautiful piece. The pictures, too, are a touching testament and amazing to see. Thank you!
Thank you for your kind feedback, Veronique! Such words show me that what I do matters and motivate me to keep writing and sharing stories. I was also deeply inspired and touched when I learned the story of the Ukrainian choir and the sacrifices they made to bring Ukrainian culture to the world. I hope more people will learn it, too!
I appreciate the clarification about Queen Elizabeth! I edited the photo caption to make it more historically accurate.
Thank you Darya. You touched upon the frequent prejudices of eminent Western European people which was fascinating. I shall hazard a theory that the connections of Russian monarchy to the monarchy of other European countries played a significant role in the perceptions of those with influence in their respective societies. It is perhaps this that even today still biases some in society in favour of Russia, despite them having all but fled their home country as the Bolsheviks took control after the abdication of Emperor Nicholas II.
I think you are absolutely right about the connections of the monarchies being one of the reasons behind the biases toward Russians. I will never understand how, in every century, Russians show their cruelty, ugliness, and complete lack of moral values, and the West still falls for their victim card and encourages their imperialism and colonialism. The similarities between the Russian elite who fled to France in 1917 and the Russian opposition now are very striking as well.
My favorite instrumental version is the Trans-Siberian Orchestra version, which they call Christmas Eve in Sarajevo for some reason. None of the TSO members are russian, no idea why they picked that name. Second favorite instrumental is The Piano Guys. Carol of the Bells has always been one of my top three Christmas songs. When I learned its history in 2022, I fell even more in love with it.
What I didn't know was the history of the choir's tour and how much russians interfered with it. Funny and infuriating how some things with them never change. I'm slowly working on learning to sing the Ukrainian version. I played the 2022 Carnegie Hall anniversary performance for my parents the other day. And spotted somebody in the choir that I know! Didn't know him at the time though.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feedback, Rachel! My Belarusian mom sang Schedryk in Ukrainian in the Polish choir last week. I found it fascinating how people of different cultures from the neighboring countries sing in Ukrainian in solidarity and support ❤️
What an incredible story...I remember even as a child feeling mesmerized by the haunting beauty of this song...And the story of the choir is one of such heroic determination...May Ukraine prevail, in every sense...Thank you so much Darya...
Hi Darya! Thank you so much for sharing the history of Shchedryk with us. The story of the Ukrainian choir blew me away — they are literally musical and national heroes. Seeing their photos and listening to the original recording of the choir was a real treat and I really like the video from the airport in Lviv as well. Also want to thank you for your recommendation (on social) of the book ‘A Ukrainian Christmas.’ I only read the forward so far and gave it to my mom who was born and raised in eastern Poland (Białystok) in the 1940’s-50’s. She found it very interesting and said that she is surprised at how little she knew about Ukrainian history and traditions especially considering how close it was and that it is awful how Ukraine has been kept out of sight from the rest of the world by Russia. And I just wanted to add that I live not too far from where Home Alone was filmed (not in a mansion!) and that there is a noticeable Ukrainian community around here (north Chicago burbs). You see Ukrainian flags and tridents in windows and on cars sometimes which is pretty cool. Anyways, thank you again and З Різдвом!
Hi Paul! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and feedback! I agree, the Ukrainian choir are musical and national heroes. I’m so glad that more people are starting to learn about them and Shchedryk!
I’m happy your mom loved the book! I felt the same as her, as I grew up in Belarus, which is very close to Ukraine but knew very little about Ukraine’s history and culture. Sadly, Russian colonialism hid Belarusian history and culture from me as well.
Seeing Ukrainian flags and symbols in the U.S. always lifts my spirits! Щасливого Різдва! 💙💛
"They also called Mykola Leontovych a Russian composer, despite the fact that Russians killed him for being a Ukrainian."
And this sentence alone is the epitome of russia, over and over and over again. What they cannot destroy in whole or in part, they claim as their own, and the world eagerly and readily believes it, even as our continued fight for existence proves otherwise. Even as I recognize the same struggles played over and over again today, I did not know Shchedryk was written in Pokrovsk, and every new realization is a stab in a heart I didn't know had enough flesh left for new wounds.
Thank you for this piece, Darya. I have heard various histories of this song many times before, but the strength in your voice and in your writing is in the simple humanity of every single story. Stories others would relegate to the dry definition of "history", something to be studied and not something that was, and continues to be, lived. It's easier to dismiss something as "history", when you don't need to take accountability for living in it now. The daily individual and collective hardships, courage, loss, love. Always I wonder what my family's stories are, but because of russia, I do not even know their names - and it's preserving each and every story you can, like you continue to do, that proves "I sing, therefore I exist".
Thank you! I didn’t know that Shchedryk was written in Pokrovsk, either, and I found out when I started researching for the article. While I knew about Mykola Leontovych, I had no idea about the tragic and incredible story of the Ukrainian choir. I couldn’t imagine their feelings during the journey and mission to bring Ukrainian culture to the world. They left in a hurry and never returned to their homes and families, and didn’t know what happened to them. Their sacrifice and resilience deeply moved and inspired me.
And I felt absolutely furious reading how Russians did everything to make the choir fail, to persuade the world to ignore Ukraine, and as you said, when they couldn’t do it, even after they killed the composer of Shchedryk, they just stole the fame and appropriated it.
Thank you for your kind words of feedback and encouragement! I wish there were a way for you to learn about your family. But we know how much information was destroyed and buried in the Soviet archives in order to erase Ukrainian history and existence. However, from what you’ve written before, I think you can feel their stories in your heart ❤️🫂
This was beautiful and heartbreaking. I wept.
Thank you! I wept while I was writing it, too.
My high school chorale sang this every year in Ukrainian and I always loved it, but now I know it much more deeply. Thanks for posting this.
It is an amazing song ❤️
My favourite Christmas song of all time.
It reminds me of one of my most memorable Christmas spent in Lviv. 💛
Mine too! I have a beautiful memory of spending Christmas and New Year’s Eve in a village in the Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains about 8 years ago. People sang carols (shchedrivky), and we had lots of delicious food and danced. I miss those times ❤️🩹
Such a beautiful memory, Darya. I miss those moments so much. The way the celebrations bring everyone together is unforgettable, with the twelve dishes on the table. I loved when people started to sing.
I visited Synevyr National Park during the summer. One of my favorite breakfasts I miss is homemade jam with Ukrainian cottage cheese, or the amazing Ukrainian cottage cheese pancakes paired with green tea. And borscht, of course. I love the remarkable work that Klopotenko is doing. Thanks to him borscht is now globally recognized and listed by UNESCO as part of Ukrainian heritage. 💛
Thank you so much for sharing the real story of Shchedryk. I already knew it, but it brought back so many cherished memories for me too. Stay safe ❤️🩹
❤️ Syrnyky (cottage cheese pancakes) are the best! Ukrainian nature is breathtaking. I wish more people could visit Ukraine, see how big and beautiful it is, try the food, immerse themselves in the culture, and understand why Ukrainians fight so fiercely to protect it.
I love it so much that I now do it regularly at home. I found a similar quality product at a Polish store close to where I live. 🤍
I do what I can and share about Kyiv, which was the historical capital of Kyivan Rus, officially founded in 1147 by Yuri Dolgoruki, while Moscow was just a swamp at that time.
Thank you for the lessons you taught me. During my travels to Ukraine, you teached me that clear minds make better choices, strong bodies endure harsh realities, and prepared spirits navigate storms. ❤️
Loved reading your post about Mykola Leontovych and Shchedryk so much. It really resonated with me since I have been writing my piece for a year now.
A year ago on the 16th December my wife and I were at a concert of our local Just Sing and Just Sing Kids choirs. My daughter is in the kids choir and I have a load of friends in the ladies choir.
Carol of the Bells was sung three times that night, once by the kids and twice by the ladies.
I already knew the story of Shchedryk since Timothy Snyder had spoken about it in one of his online lectures.
I researching for my article I learned just how much Russia displayed hatred for all aspects of Ukraine’s culture and history.
Even musical instruments like the Zither were suppressed.
And most infamously the murder of Leontovych is and example of Russias desire to destroy all of Ukrainian society.
#SlavaUkraini #славаУкраїні 🇺🇦
Thank you! Yes, the story of Shchedryk is the ultimate story of Ukraine’s fight for survival and freedom, and it echoes the current events so much that it makes me shiver. The fact that Russians continue to do the same they did a hundred years ago, and the world continues to overlook it and give Russians the benefit of the doubt and unlimited sympathy — I just don’t have the words to describe the catastrophe of it.
Thank you for researching, learning, and writing about Ukraine, its history, and culture! It means so much that ordinary people, despite the biases of politicians and media, continue to see the truth through so many lies and endless propaganda. I hope that Shchedryk's story will continue to inspire people to learn about Ukraine and support Ukrainians in their fight for freedom and existence 💙💛
My post about Shchedryk was posted today. Would be interested in your opinion.
https://open.substack.com/pub/gmanschronicle/p/shchedryk-carol-of-the-bells?r=lyl1g&utm_medium=ios
It’s a very well-researched article! Thank you for writing it and spreading the word about the history behind Shchedryk and Ukraine!
Дякую. I enjoyed doing the research and as well as that it seemed that I was being called to write it.
I’m just back from our annual pre Christmas Carol Service in our Church and sadly Carol of the Bells was not sung by our Church Choir this year. Still maybe next year.
Would love it if you would be willing to recommend my article and or newsletter.
Будь ласка.
Together we will endure all things.
Darya, its haunting and beautiful musicality is my (and my mumy
Thank you, Darya! I have been commenting on some Instagram posts showcasing this song. My comment — which mentions the Ukrainian composer’s murder by a Soviet (aka Russian) agent, has gotten a lot of attention so far. Let me know if you want the link to the Instagram post.
Thank you! I saw your comment under one of the posts. It’s so important to educate people, and I’m grateful for your help in spreading awareness!
Dear Darya, thank you so much for sharing this heartrending story with us. I found the history of the Ukrainian Choir's concerts across Europe, the US, Central and South America very interesting. Heartbreaking to read about Russian efforts to appropriate Ukrainian art and culture as their own, and to consider that Leontovych never knew the success of his timeless composition. Also heartbreaking to consider how Ukrainians only found out about this history until the early 1990s! It is important we read and stay aware of history.
Being Belgian myself, I was particularly interested seeing the document and picture of Elisabeth, Queen of the Belgians (who was indeed of Bavarian/Portugese descent but became Queen of the Belgians). Nice to see her appreciation for the Ukrainian Choir's performance. (She was a great lover and supporter of the arts. To this day we have an international music competition for top musicians from all over the world, which carries her name.)
I am truly grateful to you for writing this beautiful piece. The pictures, too, are a touching testament and amazing to see. Thank you!
Thank you for your kind feedback, Veronique! Such words show me that what I do matters and motivate me to keep writing and sharing stories. I was also deeply inspired and touched when I learned the story of the Ukrainian choir and the sacrifices they made to bring Ukrainian culture to the world. I hope more people will learn it, too!
I appreciate the clarification about Queen Elizabeth! I edited the photo caption to make it more historically accurate.
Thank you so much for telling us the real story of Schchedryk🔔🔔
Thank you!
Thank you for this Ukrainian history! Much appreciated and enjoyed!
Thank you!
Thank you Darya. You touched upon the frequent prejudices of eminent Western European people which was fascinating. I shall hazard a theory that the connections of Russian monarchy to the monarchy of other European countries played a significant role in the perceptions of those with influence in their respective societies. It is perhaps this that even today still biases some in society in favour of Russia, despite them having all but fled their home country as the Bolsheviks took control after the abdication of Emperor Nicholas II.
I think you are absolutely right about the connections of the monarchies being one of the reasons behind the biases toward Russians. I will never understand how, in every century, Russians show their cruelty, ugliness, and complete lack of moral values, and the West still falls for their victim card and encourages their imperialism and colonialism. The similarities between the Russian elite who fled to France in 1917 and the Russian opposition now are very striking as well.
My favorite instrumental version is the Trans-Siberian Orchestra version, which they call Christmas Eve in Sarajevo for some reason. None of the TSO members are russian, no idea why they picked that name. Second favorite instrumental is The Piano Guys. Carol of the Bells has always been one of my top three Christmas songs. When I learned its history in 2022, I fell even more in love with it.
What I didn't know was the history of the choir's tour and how much russians interfered with it. Funny and infuriating how some things with them never change. I'm slowly working on learning to sing the Ukrainian version. I played the 2022 Carnegie Hall anniversary performance for my parents the other day. And spotted somebody in the choir that I know! Didn't know him at the time though.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feedback, Rachel! My Belarusian mom sang Schedryk in Ukrainian in the Polish choir last week. I found it fascinating how people of different cultures from the neighboring countries sing in Ukrainian in solidarity and support ❤️
Whenever I hear this now I will hear the voice of Ukraine.
Me too! 💙💛
What an incredible story...I remember even as a child feeling mesmerized by the haunting beauty of this song...And the story of the choir is one of such heroic determination...May Ukraine prevail, in every sense...Thank you so much Darya...
Thank you, Anne!
Hi Darya! Thank you so much for sharing the history of Shchedryk with us. The story of the Ukrainian choir blew me away — they are literally musical and national heroes. Seeing their photos and listening to the original recording of the choir was a real treat and I really like the video from the airport in Lviv as well. Also want to thank you for your recommendation (on social) of the book ‘A Ukrainian Christmas.’ I only read the forward so far and gave it to my mom who was born and raised in eastern Poland (Białystok) in the 1940’s-50’s. She found it very interesting and said that she is surprised at how little she knew about Ukrainian history and traditions especially considering how close it was and that it is awful how Ukraine has been kept out of sight from the rest of the world by Russia. And I just wanted to add that I live not too far from where Home Alone was filmed (not in a mansion!) and that there is a noticeable Ukrainian community around here (north Chicago burbs). You see Ukrainian flags and tridents in windows and on cars sometimes which is pretty cool. Anyways, thank you again and З Різдвом!
Hi Paul! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and feedback! I agree, the Ukrainian choir are musical and national heroes. I’m so glad that more people are starting to learn about them and Shchedryk!
I’m happy your mom loved the book! I felt the same as her, as I grew up in Belarus, which is very close to Ukraine but knew very little about Ukraine’s history and culture. Sadly, Russian colonialism hid Belarusian history and culture from me as well.
Seeing Ukrainian flags and symbols in the U.S. always lifts my spirits! Щасливого Різдва! 💙💛
Beautiful, and very interesting
Thank you!