#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

Launch of the "PAIN IN REFUGEES" exhibition

February 24, 2023

On February 24, in the premises of the National Museum of History of Moldova, the exhibition "PAIN IN REFUGEES" was launched.

The exhibition was organized by the team of the Society for the Study and Combat of Pain from the Republic of Moldova, and aimed to sensitize the population and outline the fact that pain affects every aspect of human life. The results of the study conducted on the basis of 264 respondents, suffering from acute and chronic pain but also from the psychological impact of war attributes, were presented. The idea of the biological association of colors with pain was projected onto a white canvas; visitors were invited to paint in the colors with which they associate pain.

Burmistr Iana, the president of the Society for the Study and Combat of Pain: "Together with Mr. Professor Dmytro Dmitriyev from Vinnytsia, the president of the Ukrainian Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Therapy, we cordially greet you and are grateful to you for agreeing to be present at this event, generated, unfortunately, by sad reasons. Exactly one year ago, the Russian Federation attacked Ukraine unawares, in its desire to seize territory, exterminate the Ukrainian people and suppress freedoms, rights, democracy and the desire to have a decent living, together with the other peoples of the United Europe". In this context, the participants held a minute of silence for the Heroes of Ukraine and for those who were deprived of the joy of life by the invaders.

Olesea Şevcenco, wife of E.S. Marko Shevchenko, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Moldova: "We are grateful to the citizens of the Republic of Moldova for helping Ukraine beyond words in these difficult moments. Please do not tire of helping the Ukrainian people, because the war continues, and now more than ever we need support and shelter."

During the event, Livia Sîrbu, deputy director of NMHM, Maura Reap - World Health Organization, Angela Capcelea - UNICEF, Katri Koch - Swiss Cooperation, project collaborators: Alexia Caisîn and Victor Ghereg took part in the event.

At the end of the event, those present at the launch of the exhibition participated in the creation of a painting on this occasion. The obtained painting will be donated to the Embassy of Ukraine in Moldova, to immortalize this event.

The exhibition "PAIN IN REFUGEES" can be seen between February 24 and March 12, 2023, on the fence of the National Museum of History of Moldova, 31 August 1989 str., 121A.

#Exhibit of the Month

Easter-Themed Postcards

Launch of the "PAIN IN REFUGEES" exhibition

February 24, 2023

#Exhibit of the Month