#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

“Make Art not War”, charity event dedicated to peace and the Ukrainian people

March 31, 2023

On March 31, 2023, in the premises of the National Museum of History of Moldova, took place "Make Art not War", a charity event organized by the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Moldova and Hospices of Hope Moldova, in partnership with International Women Club Moldova.

The purpose of the event was to collect funds to support the Ukrainian people and the Chisinau Hope Center of Hospices of Hope Moldova, which will open in May 2023. It will offer free palliative care services in the city of Chisinau and will also be open to refugees from Ukraine. The Hope Center of Hospices of Hope will offer not only palliative care services, but also psychological help to refugees.

The event included an art auction where paintings by Ukrainian painters refugees in the Republic of Moldova were exhibited, a classical music concert with the participation of the famous saxophonist Igor Znatokov, nicknamed the Golden Saxophone of Odesa, first conductor of the Ukrainian Musical-Drama Theater in Odesa "Vasili Vasiliko".

Mrs. Olesia Shevchenko, the President of the International Women's Club and the wife of the Ambassador of Ukraine, wanted to thank the guests, as well as the entire people of Moldova for the support offered. He especially mentioned the noble purpose of this event to directly support the accessibility to studies of children affected by the war, so that they will be provided with the necessary equipment to have access to the school program online.

Mrs. Doina Gherman, President of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Policy and European Integration, emphasized that this event is further proof that Moldova is a small country with a big heart, a fact recognized at the international level. According to Mrs. Gherman, the fact that people from all walks of life gathered here proves our uniqueness as a people, that we are not alone in this challenge and we had all the support of the citizens.

Mrs. Veronica Dragnev-Sacara, Executive Director of Hospices of Hope Moldova, thanked for the trust given by the Embassy of Ukraine to the organization she represents, to form a partnership in order to organize the second edition of the event aimed at supporting the people of Ukraine. At the same time, Mrs. Dragnev-Sacara launched a call for support for the fundraising campaign to facilitate the opening and operation of the Speranța Center, whose team has already been formed and is looking forward to working with patients both at the Center and at home in the near future. It was emphasized that the doors of the Day Center will also be open for refugees from Ukraine, Hospices of Hope Moldova being among the main providers of palliative care services for terminally ill patients and their close families. Since the beginning of the war, over 800 refugees from Ukraine have benefited from counseling and palliative services through the national network Hospices of Hope Moldova.

In conclusion, Mr. Dmytro Krepak, Vice President of the Moldindconbank management committee, general sponsor of this event, mentioned that Moldindconbank supports the activity of Hospices of Hope Moldova for the second year in a row, and participation in this event is of particular importance to him.

The event concluded with a silent auction of 12 works of art painted by Ukrainian artists, and the funds raised will go towards supporting the cause of Ukraine, as announced by the organizers.

The National Museum of History of Moldova is honored to be part of this event and we reaffirm our openness to contribute to the promotion of support actions for refugees and other socially vulnerable categories. The National Museum of History of Moldova is a promoter of peace and peaceful coexistence between peoples.

#Exhibit of the Month

Easter-Themed Postcards

“Make Art not War”, charity event dedicated to peace and the Ukrainian people

March 31, 2023

#Exhibit of the Month