The three kings did journey

Kupalo songfolkComposerArranger

Mar 20

Written By andrew waller

Translated Text

Score Ukrainian

Score Transliterated

The three kings did journey | Ішли тріє царі | Ishly trije tsari

Arranger: Andrij Hnatyshyn | Андрій Гнатишин

This carol tells the story of the three kings from the east who travel to witness the birth of Jesus. During their journey, they are waylaid by King Herod, who exhorts them to go ahead and find the Christ child and then come to see him on their way home. An angel appears to the travellers and tells them not to return the way of Herod’s court. A unique Star from heaven lights their way to the manger, where they greet the Child and celebrate the birth of the Saviour. Ukrainian Christmas traditions reflect achievements of an ancient culture, impressive in the musical and contextual diversity of its songs and in the number of its carols and epiphany carols. There are two distinct groups of Ukrainian Christmas music. Koljadky (Ukrainian Christmas Carols) are sung in church alongside traditional liturgical texts and hymns from Christmas Eve (January 6, according to the Julian Calendar) to Epiphany (January 19). Shchedrivky (New Year’s songs), being much older and having pagan roots, are rarely sung in a liturgical setting given their secular themes of bounty and prosperity. These delightful and festive new-year folk songs of felicitation, with their charming and rhythmic melodies, reflect sectarian life and express wishes for health, happiness and bountiful harvests.

Koljadky and shchedrivky are an important part of Vesnivka's repertoire and have been sung annually since the ensemble was established in 1965.