Carol of the Bells is Ukrainian

The melody millions know as Carol of the Bells is Shchedryk, written in 1916 by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych. It is based on an ancient New Year folk song about a swallow promising a family a good year.

In 1919 the Ukrainian National Chorus toured the world with Shchedryk as a cultural mission for the young Ukrainian republic. On October 5, 1922 they sang it at Carnegie Hall in New York. American composer Peter Wilhousky later wrote the English words, and it became one of the most performed carols on Earth.

Leontovych was killed by a Soviet agent in 1921. His song survived and travelled further than any border. When you hear it this December, you are hearing Ukraine.