Ukrainian City, Birthplace of “Carol of the Bells,” Faces Russian Advance Amidst Cultural Preservation Efforts

Pokrovsk, situated in eastern Ukraine, is recognized as the origin of the globally cherished carol, the Carol of the Bells. However, the city currently displays minimal indications of the Christmas season. Its desolate streets and damaged structures are covered by a light layer of snow, accompanied by continuous heavy shelling. Pokrovsk is identified as Russia’s subsequent objective, with its forces positioned under two miles (three kilometres) from the city’s core. Beyond the destruction of infrastructure and residences, Ukraine alleges that Russia is attempting to eradicate its cultural heritage, encompassing its ties to the renowned carol. The majority of Pokrovsk’s inhabitants have already evacuated. The gas supply has been disconnected, leaving numerous households without electricity and water. Residents who have stayed, such as 59-year-old Ihor, only venture out to acquire basic necessities. He characterized the situation as “living on a powder keg – you never know when or where the next shell will land.” Oksana, aged 43, expressed her fear of leaving her residence but stated she exits during pauses in shelling to gather wood and coal for warmth. She conveyed her hope that Ukraine’s armed forces could retain control of the city, yet she considered this improbable. “Pokrovsk, she says, will probably fall,” she stated. The city has undertaken preparations for adverse outcomes. The monument dedicated to its renowned composer, Mykola Leontovych, has been relocated. The music academy named after him is currently boarded up and vacant. While Leontovych might not be widely recognized in Western countries, his musical composition is globally familiar due to its chime-like vocal qualities. It is believed that Leontovych developed the initial arrangements of the piece, derived from a Ukrainian folk chant, during his time residing and working in Pokrovsk from 1904 to 1908. Within Ukraine, the composition is identified as Shchedryk. For the majority of the world, it gained recognition as the Carol of the Bells, following American composer Peter Wilhousky’s creation of English lyrics for the melody. Its inclusion in the Hollywood movie Home Alone contributed to its increased popularity. Viktoria Ametova referred to the piece as “a masterpiece – the signature song of Pokrovsk.” She had also recently been a music instructor in the city, at the school named after Leontovych. She has since relocated to Dnipro, a place offering comparative safety. There, numerous former inhabitants of Pokrovsk are endeavoring to preserve the recollections of their previous home. With a recovered portrait of Leontovych positioned above, Viktoria observed 13-year-old Anna Hasych perform the carol’s well-known chords on a piano. The Hasych family departed Pokrovsk this summer. Nevertheless, they are resolved to remember the location they still consider home. Anna’s mother, Yulia, expressed satisfaction at her daughters practicing Shchedryk. She stated, “We won’t forget the history of our town.” For Anna, the melody evokes recollections. She remarked, “When I played it at home it seemed happy. It reminded me of winter and Christmas.” She added, “Now it’s more of a sad song to me because it reminds me of home, and I really want to go back.” Conversely, for a particular Ukrainian military ensemble, Shchedryk has transformed into an anthem of resistance. They are performing it even within trenches, utilizing weaponry as makeshift musical instruments. Although they are musicians, their commanding officer emphasized their primary role as soldiers. Each member has served on the front line. Colonel Bohdan Zadorozhnyy, who leads and conducts the band, stated that the song contributes to boosting soldiers’ morale. He commented, “Those beats and rhythms cheer up the guys on the front line and inspire them to fight.” Roman, aged 22, employs a rocket launcher casing filled with rice, shaking it energetically in rhythm with the music. He described Shchedryk as the “pride of our country, it’s freedom, it’s in our souls, I get goosebumps from this song.” Colonel Zadorozhnyy asserted that Shchedryk demonstrates Ukraine as a civilized nation, currently engaged in conflict, striving to preserve its identity. Pokrovsk faces the potential of falling under Russian control. Nevertheless, its inhabitants are making every effort to safeguard their culture and identity. Angelina Rozhkova, director of Pokrovsk’s History Museum, has already rescued and relocated the majority of its valuable items to secure locations, including artifacts pertaining to Leontovych’s time in Pokrovsk. She stated that Russia’s objective extends beyond territorial acquisition in Ukraine, asserting, “It wants to destroy our culture and everything precious to us.” Angelina indicated that Pokrovsk’s residents comprehend the possibility of never returning, yet she added, “but our heart and souls do not accept that.” Consequently, they are undertaking all possible actions to preserve their history. Their new guiding principle is “keeping and saving, equals winning.” It is challenging to claim victory when one’s city is undergoing destruction. However, its populace, akin to Leontovych’s music, is demonstrating remarkable resilience. Leontovych’s life concluded suddenly in 1921 when a Soviet agent fatally shot him. His musical work had evolved into a symbol for Ukraine’s struggle for independence, a role it continues to hold.