Hark! How the bells, sweet silver bells
All seem to say, “Throw cares away.”
Christmas is here, bringing good cheer
To young and old, meek and the bold
Ding, dong, ding, dong, that is their song,
With joyful ring, all caroling
One seems to hear words of good cheer
From everywhere, filling the air…
Traditionally Ukrainians are in fond of music. Many of them have an ear for music and like to sing, many of them are talented singers. Maybe this is why Ukrainian language is famous as one of the most melodious languages in the world. And this is why folk Ukrainian songs are really admirable, with charming melodies.
One of such ancient folk Ukrainian songs nowadays is famous in all over the world. This is illustrious “Carol of the Bells” that became a well-known Christmas carol. In Ukraine this song is called “Schedryk”. It is considered that famous version of “Schedryk” was composed by Mykola Leontovych, Ukrainian composer, in 1916. It was performed by Kyiv University Chorus on New Year’s Eve by Julian calendar used in those times (January, 13 by modern Gregorian style).
The first performance of “Schedryk” for Western audience was made at Carnegie Hall, New York in 1921. The melody of the song which, seemed, rang like bells, so amazed one of the listeners, worker of NBC radio station Peter J. Wilhousky, that he wrote new lyrics for this song, known today as “Carol of the Bells”. This version became a very popular Christmas carol in Western countries. Many musicians made cover versions to this song in different genres, such as classic, jazz, pop, rock, metal etc. This song also sounds in many movies and some episodes of TV series, such as “Home Alone”, “Die Hard 2”, “The Santa Clause”, “Simpsons”, “South Park”, “Eureka”, “The Mentalist” and many others.
But in fact “Schedryk” has much more ancient story. This song appeared in pre-Christian times, when New Year originally was celebrated in spring, with the awakening of Nature in April. That’s why the initial Ukrainian song tells about a swallow that returned from warmer climes to her native house and proclaims the prosperous and bountiful year to the family of the master. Even the title of the song is originated from Ukrainian word “schedry” that means “bountiful”. It was considered that the lyrics and charming melody of this song have magic properties that can help to fulfill all the good wishes and dreams.
Nowadays this beautiful ancient song is one of the most popular carols in Ukraine and all over the world. Traditionally Ukrainian children learn it by heart from early years and sing it on Winter holiday season, congratulating their relatives. So ask your Ukrainian lady to sing you this beautiful song and may the magic of this carol help you to make your dreams come true! May your holidays be merry and may this year be happy for you and your special Ukrainian beauty from Step2Love!