The haunting melody of “Shchedryk,” widely recognized globally as the “Carol of the Bells,” has taken on profound significance amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Its birthplace, Pokrovsk, situated in eastern Ukraine, stands as a poignant symbol of resilience, threatened by the encroaching forces of Russia. As the city braves heavy shelling and infrastructure destruction, the spirit of its cultural heritage remains a central focus for its inhabitants, even in the face of adversity.
This year, the festive ambiance that normally blankets Pokrovsk during the holiday season is noticeably absent. Instead, abandoned streets are lightly coated in snow, a stark contrast to the devastation that reverberates through the air with the sound of bombardments. At this moment, Russian troops are perilously close, within a two-mile radius of Pokrovsk’s core, putting both life and cultural identity at risk. The Ukrainian government has vehemently accused Russia of attempting to obliterate its cultural legacy, which includes the cherished history behind “Shchedryk.”
The dire situation in Pokrovsk has led to mass evacuations, with a large segment of the population fleeing the relentless violence. Basic utilities like gas, electricity, and water are scarce, leaving many residents in precarious circumstances. Individuals like Ihor, aged 59, venture out only to seek essential items amidst the danger of falling shells. Similarly, Oksana, 43, expresses trepidation about leaving her home but scavenges for wood and coal during intermittent quiet spells in the violence. Many share a grim outlook on the city’s future, believing that it could soon fall under Russian control.
The city’s historical ties to Mykola Leontovych, the composer of “Shchedryk,” underscore its cultural significance. Despite relative obscurity in the West, Leontovych’s composition, originally based on a Ukrainian folk chant, has become profoundly influential. Having been composed while Leontovych resided in Pokrovsk between 1904 and 1908, the music school that commemorated his contributions now stands empty, indicating the cultural toll of the ongoing conflict.
“Shchedryk,” or “Carol of the Bells,” gained traction internationally after American composer Peter Wilhousky adapted it with English lyrics, ultimately popularized by its featured use in the film “Home Alone.” As communities from Pokrovsk that have relocated to safer cities attempt to keep the memories of their former homes alive, music remains a critical element of that memory. Viktoria Ametova, a former music teacher in Pokrovsk, expresses that the carol is a “masterpiece,” embodying the city’s spirit. Her new student, 13-year-old Anna Hasych, who fled the violence with her family, reflects on her connection to the piece as it evokes both warmth and heartbreak.
Meanwhile, on the front lines, “Shchedryk” transforms from a symbol of nostalgia into one of defiance and resilience. A Ukrainian military band uses improvised instruments to perform the melody in the trenches, wherein Colonel Bohdan Zadorozhnyy leads the troops in a spirited effort to maintain morale. The bandmates use art to channel their emotions, with members like Roman shaking a rocket launcher casing in rhythm with the music, declaring the piece as the “pride of our country.”
Despite the looming threat of occupation and destruction in Pokrovsk, its residents are committed to the preservation of their cultural legacy. The director of Pokrovsk’s History Museum, Angelina Rozhkova, has taken action to secure important artifacts, including those related to Leontovych’s life, fearing that their cultural treasures may be lost forever. She encapsulates the sentiments of many in the community: “Russia wants to destroy our culture and everything precious to us.”
As the people of Pokrovsk grapple with the reality of potential displacement, their determination to hold on to their history and identity intensifies. The phrase “keeping and saving, equals winning” reverberates throughout the community as they strive to maintain hope and resilience in the face of uncertainty. Their connection to Leontovych’s music, much like their collective spirit, embodies an extraordinary resilience against overwhelming odds, reiterating the enduring legacy of their cultural heritage.
In summary, the ongoing conflict and struggles faced by Pokrovsk highlight the power of culture and music as both a symbol of remembrance and an inspirational force. As the city faces the possibility of falling to enemy control, its cultural symbols—like “Shchedryk”—serve not only as reminders of a cherished past but also as contemporary symbols of defiance against oppression.
