#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.

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Events Archive

Festive meeting dedicated to the Professional Day of Historians

June 18, 2022

On Saturday, June 18, 2022, the Blue Room of the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the festive meeting dedicated to the Professional Day of Historians, established by the decision of the Government of the Republic of Moldova no. 427 of June 10, 2011. The event was attended by historians, teachers, ethnographers, museographers, archivists, students and history lovers.

The meeting was moderated by Prof. Anatol Petrencu, Dr. habil. in history (President of the Alexandru Moșanu Association of Historians of the Republic of Moldova) and Dr. habil. Gheorghe Cojocaru (Director of the Institute of History). The event was opened by Dr. Anatolie Topală, Minister of Education and Research, who in addition to the congratulatory message addressed to the community of historians assured them on behalf of the Ministry of supporting their activities, as well as supporting the growth and education of active and responsible citizens.

Greetings and congratulations were made by Dr. Igor Sharov (Rector of the State University of Moldova); Dr. habil. Liliana Condraticova (Secretary General of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova); Dr. Ludmila Chiciuc (Vice-Rector of the Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu State University in Cahul); Ghenadie Donos (President of the Trade Union Federation for Education and Research); Mr. Nicolae Ciubotaru (the Ion Creangă State Pedagogical University), and other representatives of research institutes, universities, agencies, museums, and so on. Livia Sîrbu, Deputy Director of the host institution, also delivered a message of greetings and wishes for great achievements, emphasizing the role of museums in promoting history and national values.

During the celebratory meeting, diplomas were awarded as a token of high appreciation for the fruitful activity in the field of history, as well as on the occasion of the Historian's Day.

During the celebratory meeting, as a sign of high appreciation for the fruitful activity in the field of history, as well as on the occasion of the Historian's Day, certificates of honor were awarded.

In addition, there was a presentation of the book "Republic of Moldova in search of identity" edited by Dr. habil. Anatol Petrencu and Ion Negrei, in which the proceedings of the conference dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Moldova were published.

The event ended with a wonderful artistic performance by the members of the Ștefan Neaga Center of Excellence in Art Education.

Historia est magistra vitae!