**The Story Behind “Carol of the Bells”**
The Ukrainian song “Shchedryk” has been a holiday favorite for decades, but its origins are rooted in Ukraine‘s rich cultural heritage. The song was written by Mykola Leontovych, a Ukrainian composer and music teacher, in 1908.
**A Pagan Song Turned Christmas Classic**
Originally, the song was part of the “shchedrivky” genre, which praised the host of the house and wished them prosperity. It told the story of a swallow’s return to Ukraine after winter. But when Peter Wilhousky, a choral director and New York City public school administrator of Ukrainian descent, heard the song in 1922, he was inspired by its bell-like melody.
**”Carol of the Bells” is Born**
Wilhousky wrote English lyrics for “Shchedryk,” removing references to swallows and focusing on the cheerful ringing of bells. This version became known as “Carol of the Bells.” The English language version was first recorded in 1936 by Wilhousky’s school choir during a popular radio program.
**A Timeless Classic**
Today, there are over 150 arrangements of “Carols of the Bells,” including blockbuster versions from symphonic rock groups like Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Mannheim Steamroller. Vocal group Pentatonix took their version viral in 2012 with over 193 million views on YouTube.
**A Symbol of Hope**
The melody has also served as a symbol of light and hope in the 2022 Ukrainian-Polish historical drama, “Shchedryk,” which tells the story of three families united by the common grief of life under the Third Reich. The film’s release was marked by a Facebook post from Derzhkino, the Ukrainian state cinema, noting that despite the challenges faced by Ukrainians, they respect their traditions and are proud of “Shchedryk” by Mykola Leontovych.
**A Touch of Ukrainian Heritage**
The Kyiv Independent‘s winter collection pays homage to this quintessential Christmas melody with an embroidered “Carol of the Bells” design by Ukrainian artist Polina Olkhovnikova.