Hymn History-Carol of the Bells

  • December 8, 2010
  • 283
                        
Carol Of The Bells Hark! how the bells; Sweet silver bells All seem to say, "Throw cares away." Christmas is here; Bringing good cheer To young and old; Meek and the bold Ding, dong, ding, dong That is their song; With joyful ring All caroling; One seems to hear Words of good cheer; From ev'rywhere Filling the air; Oh how they pound, Raising the sound, O'er hill and dale, Telling their tale, Gaily they ring; While people sing; Songs of good cheer; Christmas is here Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas Merry, merry, merry, merry Christmas On, on they send; On without end Their joyful tone; To ev'ry home Ding, dong, ding, dong. Mykola Dmytrovych Leontovych (1877-1921) This famous carol was composed by Mykola Dmytrovych Leontovych in 1916. The original Ukrainian version is based on an old Slavic legend that every bell in the world rang in honor of Jesus on the night of his birth. This song was first performed in the Ukraine on the night of January 13, 1916, on their New Year's Eve and was first performed in the United States on October 5, 1921 at Carnegie Hall. It is written in a chant of sorts that is very unique to Ukraine music. When the Ukraine was first introduced to Christianity their New Year’s celebration was moved from April to January. After that the holiday this chant was associated with became the “feast of epiphany” (Christmas). The music is very dramatic and emotional and the rhythm of the words fit perfectly with the melody. Over the years many products have used this carol in their advertisements. The tune is catchy and the words can be easily exchanged.


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