#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

#Exhibit of the Month

November 2020

Chair that belonged to the great Bessarabian philanthropist and patriot Vasile Stroescu (1845-1926)

The National Museum of History of Moldova collects, preserves, researches and exhibits, for the purpose of knowledge and education, material evidence related to the history of Bessarabia. The museum collections are constantly enriched through acquisitions, donations and archaeological excavations.

In the first half of 2018, the museum collections were replenished with new material values, related to the history of the nobility in Bessarabia. As a result of the field investigations, carried out in the village of Brânzeni, Edineț District, five pieces of furniture were purchased, which belonged to Vasile Stroescu: a cabinet, a sofa, a chest of drawers, a chair and a wall mirror. The pieces were purchased from Elizaveta Gureu, the granddaughter of Gheorghe Tincu, who was the manager of the Brânzeni estate, owned by the Stroescu family.

Recently restored, the chair displayed in this showcase dates from the late 19th century - early 20th century. It is made of oak wood in a Russian workshop and has an invaluable memorial value. Its significance is explained by the fact that in the upper part of its back there is an engraved monogram in Cyrillic letters: "СВ", representing the initials of the name and surname of Vasile Stroescu.

This year marks 175 years since the birth of the great Bessarabian philanthropist and patriot, who was called the patron of Romania, Vasile Stroescu, one of the few boyars who put his whole life and fortune in the service of the Romanian Nation.

Vasile Stroescu originated from an old Moldovan boyar family. He was born on November 11, 1845, in Trinca village, Khotin Uyezd (now Edinet District), in the family of Vasile Ion Stroescu (1795-1875) and Porfira Manoil Guţu (1808-1856).

He was one of the most remarkable Romanian figures of Bessarabia, proving himself, through his patriotism, as a political visionary, as a promoter of the reunification of the nation and, especially, as one of the most generous Romanian philanthropists, who promoted all the most beautiful and sacred in the culture of the Romanian people.

His life and tireless activity testify to the complexity of the personality of the man whom the historian Nicolae Iorga called "a great Romanian of kindness and a generous benefactor". The great philanthropist Vasile Stroescu was and remains an example of service to the Romanian people, fully deserving our respect for his memory and deeds.

#Exhibit of the Month

Easter-Themed Postcards

November 2020

Chair that belonged to the great Bessarabian philanthropist and patriot Vasile Stroescu (1845-1926)

#Exhibit of the Month