The Carol of Resilience: How "Shchedryk" Inspires Ukraine Amid War
Pokrovsk, a city in eastern Ukraine, is the birthplace of one of the world’s most cherished Christmas carols, Shchedryk, known globally as Carol of the Bells. Yet, this year, the city lies under siege, with deserted streets, skeletal buildings, and the haunting sound of artillery fire replacing the festive spirit.
Pokrovsk, now a target for advancing Russian troops just two miles away, stands as a symbol of both destruction and resilience. Beyond the crumbling infrastructure, Ukraine accuses Russia of erasing its cultural identity, including its deep connection to the globally celebrated carol.
The Legacy of Shchedryk
The hauntingly beautiful tune was composed by Mykola Leontovych, who lived and worked in Pokrovsk from 1904 to 1908. Leontovych’s masterpiece, based on a Ukrainian folk chant, gained global fame when American composer Peter Wilhousky adapted it with English lyrics, transforming it into Carol of the Bells.
Its use in films like Home Alone cemented its place as a holiday classic.
For Ukrainians, however, Shchedryk is more than just a song. It is a cultural treasure, a symbol of national identity, and now, an anthem of defiance.
A City Under Siege
Today, Pokrovsk bears little resemblance to the city that nurtured Leontovych's genius. Most of its population has fled. Homes are without electricity, water, or gas. Residents like Ihor, 59, and Oksana, 43, remain only to scavenge for essentials amidst relentless shelling.
The city has preemptively moved its statue of Leontovych to safety in Vinnytsya, while the once-bustling music school bearing his name lies boarded up and empty. Yet, even in displacement, the people of Pokrovsk refuse to let go of their heritage.
Keeping the Spirit Alive
In the relative safety of Dnipro, former Pokrovsk residents like 13-year-old Anna Hasych continue to keep Shchedryk alive. Sitting at a piano beneath a salvaged portrait of Leontovych, Anna strikes its familiar chords, evoking bittersweet memories of home.
“When I played it at home, it felt happy—it reminded me of winter and Christmas,” Anna says. “Now it feels sad because it reminds me of home, and I really want to go back.”
Her mother, Yulia, is determined to preserve their city’s cultural history. "We won’t forget the history of our town," she says, underscoring the community's commitment to safeguarding their identity.
An Anthem of Resistance
For Ukraine’s military, Shchedryk has become a source of inspiration on the front lines. A Ukrainian military band, led by Colonel Bohdan Zadorozhnyy, has even adapted the carol, using weapons as improvised instruments.
The band’s unconventional performances, including a rocket launcher casing filled with rice as a shaker, resonate deeply with soldiers. “Shchedryk is the pride of our country, it’s freedom, it’s in our souls,” says 22-year-old Roman. “I get goosebumps from this song.”
Preserving a Nation’s Soul
As Pokrovsk teeters on the brink of Russian occupation, its people remain steadfast in their efforts to preserve their cultural heritage. Angelina Rozhkova, director of Pokrovsk’s History Museum, has salvaged and transferred artifacts tied to Leontovych’s life to safety.
“Russia doesn’t just want to take our territory,” she says. “It wants to destroy our culture and everything precious to us.”
Despite the devastation, the people of Pokrovsk embody a quiet defiance. Their motto, “Keeping and saving equals winning,” reflects their unwavering commitment to safeguarding Ukraine’s cultural soul.
A Symbol of Freedom
Leontovych’s life was tragically cut short in 1921 when he was assassinated by a Soviet agent. Yet, his enduring masterpiece, Shchedryk, continues to resonate as a symbol of Ukrainian independence and resilience.
In the face of unimaginable hardship, Ukraine’s people and their music remind the world of the indomitable spirit of a nation fighting not only for its land but for its identity.