#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

Events Archive

25th Annual Scientific Session

October 8-9, 2015

Following the yearly tradition, the National Museum of History of Moldova organized on October 8th and 9th, 2015 the 25th edition of the Yearly Session of Scientific Papers. The Session from October 8th-9th, 2015, as the ones from previous years, had three components: plenary session, issue of the museum journal Tyragetia and discussion in panels.

The opening session was held on October 8th, in the Blue Room of the museum. The participants at the event were greeted by former museum director Nicolae Răileanu, dr.Ion Gumenâi, dean of History Department of the State University of Moldova and dr. Sergiu Musteață, dean of History and Geography Department of the State Pedagogical University „Ion Creangă". Their welcome speeches were focused on the national and international significance of the Session, the need to maintain and promote this tradition and the fruitful collaboration of the museum with universities and academic institutions from the republic and abroad. It was noted what has been achieved so far and what should be done in the future.

Since its first edition, the Session was designed as a complex event with exhibition openings, book issues and other related activities. This year was no exception as at the plenary session was issued the museum journal Tyragetia, 2015, no.1 - Arheologie și Istorie Antică and no.2 - Istorie și Muzeologie. Dr.Aurel Zanoci presented the two volumes of the journal noting their scientific character addressed first of all to specialists, but which can interest the large public as well with their diverse thematic of papers included.

The Session was organized in a plenary meeting and three sections: Archaeology and Ancient History, Medieval and Modern History, Contemporary History and Highlighting Museum Heritage. The plenary session was mediated by dr.hab Elena Ploșnița. Two papers of wide concern were presented in this part of the Session: the first one signed by dr.hab.prof.univ. Victor Ţvircun - „Enigma postmortem a lui Dimitrie Cantemir" (Dimitrie Cantemir postmortem mystery) and the second signed by dr.hab.prof.univ. Anatol Petrencu - „Începuturile Gualg-ului: Arhipelagul Solovețk - Canalul Marrea Albă-Marea Baltică" (Beginnings of Gulag: Archipelago Solovețk - White See-Baltic See Channel).

In the sections were presented 65 scientific papers by researchers, university professors, museographers from the republic and abroad. The thematic palette was a rich one with particularly valuable papers, many of them provoking intense debates. The participants approached issues concerning history, archaeology, protection and highlighting of cultural heritage. The presentations and the discussion were highly appreciated by the participants who expressed opinions, suggestions, identified principles, forwarded hypotheses and made conclusions.

The Session ended with a meeting summarizing the results. All the participants at the session noted the importance and necessity of organizing this Session of scientific papers. The 25th edition of the Yearly Session of Scientific Papers of the museum was a success due to the efforts of the museum staff and the support of our colleagues from the State University of Moldova and the State Pedagogical University „Ion Creangă". Everybody underlined the importance of the event which is actually an international one, while the presence of colleagues from abroad was recognition of the value of this Session. The Session of scientific papers of the museum reflects the interest of specialists for research on history, archaeology and museology.

Elena Ploșnița

#Exhibit of the Month

Easter-Themed Postcards

25th Annual Scientific Session

October 8-9, 2015

#Exhibit of the Month