Shchedryk and its journey through a century of cultural diplomacy

Shchedryk, a Ukrainian folk song by Mykola Leontovych in 1916, has made a remarkable journey through centuries of cultural diplomacy. The song gained international recognition when it was rearranged and performed as “Carol of the Bells” by Peter Wilhusky in the United States in 1936.

Since then, it has become a favourite Christmas song in many countries. During the Cold War, Shchedryk played a significant role in cultural diplomacy, symbolizing Ukrainian identity and resistance to Soviet oppression.

It was often performed by communities of the Ukrainian diaspora, helping to preserve the spirit of Ukrainian culture. This work of art became one of the most significant indicators of the fact that Ukrainian cultural heritage is the heritage of world culture and not provincial art, as it was claimed in Moscow.


UKRAINE IN FLAMES project is created by Ukraine Crisis Media Center and NGO “Euroatlantic Course”. We are aiming at searching a loud support for Ukraine in the war started by Russia on the 24th of February 2022.

If you want to support Ukraine against Russian aggression, check the link with recommendations by Ukraine Crisis Media Center – https://uacrisis.org/en/help-ukraine.

NGO Euroatlantic Course collects donations to support Ukrainian Army and civilians – https://eac.org.ua/en/main-page/.

How you can help Ukraine against Russian aggression:

Come back alive – https://bit.ly/3Ct6O2L (works directly with the command and personnel of military units, purchasing infrared thermal imaging cameras, night vision goggles, hemostatics etc); 

CO Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation – https://bit.ly/3Svas1G (purchases supplies for Ukrainian army, such as armor, ammunition, first-aid kits, cars and ATV, humanitarian aid for civilians, and food for animals);

UNITED 24 – https://bit.ly/3M2mXiT (launched by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the main venue for collecting charitable donations in support of Ukraine. Funds will be transferred to the official accounts of the National Bank of Ukraine and allocated by assigned ministries to cover the most pressing needs)

Army SOS – https://bit.ly/3UYK168 (manages purchases of necessary ammunition, shields, intercommunication and reconnaissance facilities, etc. and delivers all goods directly);

Vostok SOS – https://bit.ly/3Ruut75 (raising funds for various needs of the army);

Phoenix Wings – https://bit.ly/3RvWSd0 (the appropriate equipment & uniform, personal non-lethal protection (vests, helmets), required treatment of the wounded soldiers, and repair of the buildings used by the army).