Merry Christmas!

In keeping with my emphasis at the end of every year of paying special homage to the countries that have suffered the most, I chose Carol of the Bells. It was composed in 1914 by Mykola Dmytrovych Leontovych and is based on a Ukrainian folk song associated with the coming of the new year, which before the Christianization of Ukraine was celebrated in April. Today, of course, it is sung at Christmas, but originally it was so popular that it became a sort of nationalist song to push the recognition of Ukraine’s declaration of independence from Bolshevik Russia. The folk song speaks of the arrival of a swallow portending abundant days ahead. Perhaps you hear the bird?

We should have reason to believe that peace will soon come to Ukraine and hopefully the entire planet. Having cordial relationships with one another is definitely something to be cultivated and implemented . . . so let us join one another to make this season the turning point in which harmony and respect prevail.

Whatever your faith, I wish you all a safe and blessed holiday season.

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Copyright by Dr. Ingrid Naiman 2024 || All Rights Reserved

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