#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

„To Myself, To You”

(dedicated to the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” Campaign)

25 November – 19 December 2025

At the National Museum of History of Moldova, UNHCR Moldova, together with partner organizations Casa Marioarei and Tarna Rom, launched the outdoor exhibition "To Myself, To You", dedicated to the global campaign "16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence". The opening of the exhibition took place on the same day as the official launch of the campaign in the Republic of Moldova, marked by a public act of solidarity attended by public institutions, international partners, diplomats, and civil society.

The exhibition presents illustrated letters and reflections created by girls, boys, and parents participating in the Girl Shine program - a safe space offered by UNHCR partners for dialogue, learning, and community support. The illustrations were created by artists from the Republic of Moldova, who visually interpreted the messages of young people, highlighting empathy, resilience, and the importance of an environment free from discrimination and violence of any kind.

Gender-based violence remains a serious issue both in the Republic of Moldova and globally. One in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence, and in the Republic of Moldova, research by the National Coalition "Life without Violence" and UNHCR shows that 60% of women identify themselves as victims or survivors of GBV. Shame, lack of information, and the absence of safe spaces for discussion continue to limit reporting and access to support.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, more than two million people have entered the Republic of Moldova, of whom approximately 130,000 have remained in the country. The majority are women and children, which further emphasizes the need for accessible prevention, protection, and support services for those affected by violence.

The exhibition "To Myself, To You" can be visited between 25 November - 19 December 2025, on the fence of the National Museum of History of Moldova, Chișinău, 31 August 1989 Street, No. 121A.