#Exhibit of the Month

We find ourselves in the month of April, as we prepare to celebrate Easter-a moveable religious holiday rich in festive rituals and ceremonial activities that place this event at the very heart of Christian spiritual life. The spirit of the Resurrection is beautifully complemented by ten Easter-themed postcards from the heritage of the National Museum of History of Moldova, printed a century ago. These pieces were added to the museum's postcard collection over a decade ago following a successful acquisition; as the fund for Easter-themed illustrations is modest, we are in a constant search for new additions.

These postcards are "extraordinary" in terms of their postal, typographical, and chromatic effects-the primary reason for revisiting this genre of greetings. Unlike "classic" postcards, these are smaller in size (6.5 cm x 11 cm), made of cardboard (with the exception of one piece made of photographic paper in black and white), and feature "vivid" colors. Printed in Romania and Germany, they bear the marks of having been sent and circulated through the post.

The name of the holiday originates from the verb persach, meaning "to pass," a term adopted by the Jews from the Egyptians. It entered the Romanian language through the Byzantine-Latin form Paschae, signifying the "passage through death to life, the victory of life, and liberation from the bondage of sin." Easter is a holiday of tolerance and forgiveness, representing a bridge between the present and the past. The significance of this celebration is conveyed through its symbols, which are also featured on these postcards: Hand-painted eggs, the Easter Bunny and the Lamb, traditional sweet breads (cozonac and pască), biblical scenes related to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The Easter table also features pască-a ritual food reminiscent of ancient, bloodless "reconciliation" sacrifices. Its preparation is the exclusive task of women, the givers of life, as the leavened dough is considered "alive."

The most significant component of the Easter holiday, however, is the Light. The Ceremony of the Holy Light is associated with the miracle of the light appearing on Easter Sunday at Christ's Tomb in Jerusalem. The candle, often depicted in these images, carries a powerful message; it is with the Resurrection candle that we return home after the midnight religious service. Furthermore, the Easter Bunny represents the rebirth of nature, so eagerly awaited after a harsh winter.

Unlike Christmas, when the announcement and ritual integration of the community into sacred time was the duty of caroling groups, at Easter, "one does not go from house to house." Instead, the ritual meal is organized within each family, symbolizing a direct communion with God.

Virtual Tour

Exhibitions

"Russo-Turkish War of 1806-1812 and the Annexation of Bessarabia: Memory of the East and the West"

In commemoration of 200 years since the annexation of Bessarabia to the Russian Empire (by the Treaty of Bucharest from 16/28 May 1812) the National Museum of Archaeology and History of Moldova organizes the exhibition "Russo-Turkish War of 1806-1812 and the Annexation of Bessarabia: Memory of the East and the West".

The exhibition is of national significance; it exposes some valuable pieces of museum property: a collection of weapons related to Russo-Turkish wars, collection of maps of the time, books with maps, battle plans, lithographs, etc. The National Archives of the Republic of Moldova also participate in the exhibition with an impressive collection of authentic documents presented to the public for the first time - Archives of Russian Senators, 1806-1812. Various types of items are united in order to highlight the impact of the war on Bessarabia. The context of war is presented in the exhibition in terms of imperial interests pursued by the Great Powers: Russia, Turkey, France, Prussia, and the Habsburg Empire.

The exhibition opens with a series of museum objects, which gives the public an overview of the phenomenon of war, presented in four distinct thematic sections. The first section, entitled Prelude to the Annexation, reflects the stages of the war, military occupation of the Romanian Principalities including the territory between the Prut and Dniester. War events are presented by genuine objects, including the remarkable collection of weapons, books with maps, war plans, and pieces of military clothing. The second thematic section entitled Imperial Projects reflects diplomatic battles between the Western Powers for division and / or redistribution of Romanian territories. These are reflected in the exhibition by diplomatic reports, correspondence between representatives of European powers, war notes, memos, etc. The third thematic section includes Boyars' Letters from the Time of Russian Occupation and presents various reports, complaints and letters, showing the hardships and sufferings of war borne by various social groups in the occupied territories of the Romanian Principalities in 1806-1812. The exhibition ends with the section Annexation of Bessarabia, which presents the final act of war - Peace Treaty of Bucharest (16/28 May 1812) signed at the inn of the Russian agent Manuc-Bey - the event reflected in the picture Treaty of Bucharest (author: L. Grigorashenco) and on the Map of Europe in 1812. The exhibition is completed with some war reconstructions: Turkish tent, two Turkish flags (war trophies), and military clothing (copies). A clock of the time complements the exhibition as a symbol of historical time. Through the exhibits the visitors will discover a new chapter in the history of space between the Prut and Dniester 200 years ago.

#Exhibit of the Month

Easter-Themed Postcards

"Russo-Turkish War of 1806-1812 and the Annexation of Bessarabia: Memory of the East and the West"

#Exhibit of the Month