#Exhibit of the Month

Christmas bells entered the Romanian cultural space through a long process in which archaic traditions blended with Christian belief and European influences. Long before the holiday of Christmas developed as we know it, metallic sounds played an important ritual role in old communities: they were used to drive away evil spirits, to purify spaces, and to protect people during transitional moments at the turn of the year. These beliefs have been preserved in winter customs such as caroling, the Plugușor, and masked dances, where bells and jingles were indispensable.
With the spread of Christianity, the sound of the bell also acquired a profound religious meaning, becoming an announcer of major feasts and a symbol of the Nativity. Small bells, however, were not originally used as decorations but primarily as functional or ritual objects.
The first decorated Christmas tree in the Romanian lands was the one at the palace of Prince Carol I of Hohenzollern, following his arrival in the Romanian Principalities in 1866. From that moment the tradition took root, and on Christmas Eve princes and princesses invited to the palace would take part in decorating the tree. Among the ornaments used were small metal bells, symbolizing joy, the good news, and divine protection for the home.
In the twentieth century, Christmas bells spread across all Romanian provinces and became a visual emblem of the holiday, appearing in both decorations and carols. Even during periods when religious expression was curtailed, bells remained in people's homes as signs of joy and the continuity of tradition. Today they retain this dual meaning: the echo of ancient beliefs and, at the same time, the announcement of the Birth of Christ - a symbol of hope, light, and the link between past and present.
These tinkling pieces are part of a generous heritage collection at the National Museum of History of Moldova (NMHM), which includes more than 200 cultural items. A substantial contribution to the museum's collection of decorative bells was made by Dorina Raischi, a teacher at School No. 94 in Chișinău, who donated 174 bells, of which around 30 are winter-themed. Made of ceramic, porcelain, glass, and metal, they were brought from different parts of the world and together offer a succinct picture of the global culture of bells. They add a festive note to the home and even to a gift, and it is hard to imagine Christmas without their cheerful tinkling.

Virtual Tour

Events Archive

National Anthem Day of Romania in the Republic of Moldova

July 28, 2024

On July 28, 2024, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted an exceptional cultural event titled "The National Anthem, Symbol of Romanian Unity" - the second edition, organized by the YUFest Association. This outdoor opera concert transformed the museum's courtyard into a spectacular stage, bringing together three renowned tenors from Iași: Florin Guzgă, Andrei Apreotesei, and Andrei Fermeșanu. Accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra of "Teleradio Moldova" under the baton of conductor Andrei Zapșa, these artists delivered an unforgettable recital, capturing the audience's attention and emotions with their outstanding performances.

The event was further enriched by other remarkable artistic moments. The model Orchestra of the General Inspectorate of Carabinieri under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova showcased a performance full of vigor and skill, while the CAPRICCIO Children's Choir, led by Mrs. Elena Marian, brought a touch of innocence and purity through the young, talented voices of the youngest artists present. These elements completed a complex spectacle that blended tradition with talent, creating an atmosphere of celebration of Romanian culture and unity.

The event was graced by distinguished guests who emphasized the cultural and symbolic importance of this concert. Historian and university professor Adrian Cioroianu, known for his involvement in promoting Romanian cultural values, was among those who expressed their appreciation for this event's initiative. Additionally, the Mayor of Iași, Mihai Chirică, attended the event, further strengthening the cultural and friendly ties between Iași and Chișinău, two cities that share a common history and a valuable cultural heritage. The presence of these personalities highlighted the significance of the moment and reinforced the message of unity and cultural collaboration between the two Romanian states.

The Minister of Culture, Sergiu Prodan, was also present at the event, underlining the importance of this concert within the context of Chișinău's cultural summer. He emphasized the valuable contribution of the voices from the Iași Opera, stating that the performance is an integral part of the project "The National Anthem, Symbol of Romanian Unity." The Minister highlighted that this concert pays homage to the national anthems of Romania and the Republic of Moldova, symbols of our shared values, history, and identity. In his speech, Sergiu Prodan mentioned that such events are essential for strengthening the cultural ties between the two states and for promoting a common European future based on values of peace, development, and culture.

#Exhibit of the Month

Decorative Bells

National Anthem Day of Romania in the Republic of Moldova

July 28, 2024

#Exhibit of the Month