Mnohaya Lita Многая літа
Back row: Margaret, Sandi, Joe, Chris. Front: Kathy, Carl, Mary in July, 2003 on the occasion of Mary and Carl’s 50th wedding anniversary
The last time I remember singing Mnohaya Lita was on the occasion of my parents 50th wedding anniversary in Winnipeg in 2003. This is a very old traditional Ukrainian song that brings back strong memories from my childhood.
Mary Krawchenko, her mother Tillie Bachynsky, Sandi and Margaret, 1959
When I was a little girl on Gallagher Avenue in Winnipeg, every wedding, shower, and birthday celebration involved people standing and singing Mnohaya Lita. It certainly would have been sung on March 24, 1959, on the occasion of my grandmother’s 50th birthday.
In my experience as a child, this traditional Ukrainian song was sung in a sad way, with a slow tempo, and occasional harmonies. Women wept and hankies appeared to wipe their tears. It seemed odd to me, to have such a sad song at joyous occasions, but it was very clear this was just how it was done.
It wasn’t until I was a little older that I asked my Mom what the words Mnohaya Lita meant, and was surprised when she said “Many Happy Years.” She explained that she had learned it from her maternal grandmother, Aksana Shmigelsky, Strumbicky, and said that it might have been among the first songs she learned. You will find the words and transliteration below.
Now, when I hear it, I too, can be brought to tears, thinking of how my ancestors saw that song as a piece of the old country and the life they left behind.
Nikola Strumbicky and Aksana (Shmigelsky) Strumbicky c. 1958
I imagine that Mnohaya Lita carries a similar weight in the hearts of tens of thousands of people who have fled Ukraine in recent times to start over in “the new country.”
Over 20,000 Ukrainian newcomers to Canada have chosen Manitoba as their new home. The well-loved song is often sung in churches and community gatherings, and has in many ways become an anthem for people committed to a brighter future.
In recognition of all of the Ukrainians who are celebrating Milanka (New Year) on January 13-14, I am delighted to be able to share a beautiful version of Mnohaya Lita in this video produced by Markian Radomskiy. This 2012 concert featured the Hoolsi Ukrainian Male Chorus of Winnipeg with their brothers from the Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus.
The Hoosli Ukrainian Male Chorus has several performances coming up, starting with this weekend. You can see their schedule here.
If you are looking for sheet music for Mnohaya Lita, you will find it here on the Bethsnotesplus website.
The words and translation are below.
Wishing all of you, a very happy new year!
Best wishes,
Sandi
Mnohaya Lita in Ukrainian
Многая літа, Многая літа, Многая літа, многая літа, Многая щасливі літа!
Нехай сяє ясно сонце для тебе, Нехай небо буде блакитним для тебе, Нехай вітри будуть лагідними для тебе, Нехай поля будуть багатими для тебе.
Нехай твоє серце буде веселим і радісним, Нехай твої мрії збудуться, Нехай ти знаходиш те, що шукаєш, Щастя від тижня до тижня.
Многая літа, Многая літа, Многая літа, многая літа, Многая щасливі літа!
Mnohaya Lita: English Translation
Many years to you, Many years to you, Many years, many years, Many happy years!
May the sun shine bright for you, May the sky be blue for you, May the winds be mild for you, May the fields be rich for you.
May your heart be light and gay, May your dreams all come your way, May you find what you seek, Happiness, from week to week.
Many years to you, Many years to you, Many years, many years, Many happy years!