Russian Christmas Carols
From LoveToKnow Christmas
Russian Christmas carols are often a combination of Russian and Ukrainian heritage music. If you’ve never heard these tunes before, we’ll share some online resources in this article that let you listen instantaneously.
What Is a Russian Christmas?
In the U.S., it’s common for people to believe that Christmas as we know it is celebrated around the world. Not so. While many other cultures have adapted some customs of the holiday, not every country has longstanding Christmas traditions.
The predominant religion in Russia is Russian Orthodoxy, a Christ-based faith. The most important holiday for these observers is Easter, not Christmas.
However, for centuries, Russians welcomed Ded Moroz, the Spirit of Winter, a kindly gentlemen who brought gifts to good children at the New Year. In accordance with the Julian calendar, Svyata Vecheria, or Christmas Eve, occurs on January 6th. Shchedriy Vecher, or the Feast of Iordan, happens on January 18th, and celebrates the baptism of Christ. So, while it may not be a Western Christmas, it is a winter celebration nonetheless.
The Heritage of Russian Holiday Music
Slavic Christmas music crosses many borders. The people of Russia consider holiday music from Bulgaria, Ukraine, Poland, and Romania their own. Many traditional Russian Christmas carols have a foundation of melody from these countries. Known as shchedrivkas and kolyadkas, these heritage songs have come to define a Russian Christmas, even if they originate elsewhere.
When you select Russian Christmas music, it’s not uncommon for it to be performed by Ukrainian folk musicians. Monks and children’s choirs from both countries are also popular.
Where to Find Russian Christmas Carols
As Russia redefines itself in a new century, there’s been a resurgence of interest in its cultural heritage. In particular, people in the arts are celebrating what it means to be Russian. There are a number of Web sites dedicated to Russian music, including folk, rock, pop, and techno. Combined in this mix is holiday music, even though it sounds a bit out of place.
Here are some Web sites that feature audio and, in some cases, video, of Russian Christmas carols:
- The Origen music site offers Russian church worship music, carols, and heritage songs. When you click on the site link above, an automatic player on the right of the screen features songs such as "The Child Was Born", "The News in Bethlehem", "Sleep, O Jesus", and "Holiday Bells". Artists include the Kiev Chamber Choir, Ensemble Drevo, the Saint Eliyah Christian Children’s Choir, and the Monk’s Choir of Kiev Perchersk Monastery. Click on the individual artist links to hear more Russian Christmas music.
- At Smithsonian Folkways, you can preview clips from the CD, "A Russian Christmas" on an automatic player. Songs include "The Eternal God is Born", "Cherubim Hymn", and "Cry Not Rachel".
- The official site of the folk dance and music ensemble Barynya features a wide variety of Russian music. Scroll down to the end of the page for Christmas carol selections by the group, including "Father Frost" and "Carol of the Bells", the latter of which is based on a Ukrainian folk song. You’ll have to click on the titles of the songs and download the .mp3 file to your computer to listen. If you’re curious about the lyrics of some of these Russian Christmas carols, Barynya has another Web page that features lyrics.
- Follow this link to YouTube for a variety of videos featuring Russian Christmas carols.
- The blog Russophilia chronicles Janey’s quest to find original Russian holiday music, and features some video of different performances.
Purchase Russian Christmas Music
Want more than just a download? Here are a few CDs to try:
Learn More
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