On the second day of our series of winter songs we would like to present you the Ukrainian Christmas song "Schtschedryk". In the Anglo-American region the song is better known as "Carol of the Bells".

The Ukrainian original version was created in 1916 written by the Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontowytsch. Related to the songtext Christmas is not the central theme, but a swallow predicting a man happiness what will come with the following spring. Therefore the song is sung at the Orthodox New Year celebration.

The song was made popular by the arrangement of the American composer and conductor Peter J. Wilhousky. He provides the song with an English text, which is not based on the Ukrainian original. Better known today under the title "Carol of the Bells" the song belongs to the most famous English-speaking Christmas Carols.

And our wish for the upcoming year: Freedom of speech in every country.

Do you have an idea for a Christmas carol from your country? Then send it with your personal wish for the next year to online(at)interkultur.com