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.
Additions and clarifications on the biography of Ioan Pelivan
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. VII [XXII], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
The article contains a number of additions and clarifications regarding the biography of Ioan Pelivan - a prominent person of political and national liberation movement of the Bessarabian Romanians against Tsarist rule.
There are given more information about the ancestry of Ioan Pelivan, as well as his study at the Religious School and the Theological Seminary in Chisinau.
In 1901, while studying law at the Yuryev (Dorpat) University (1898-1903), he was granted a scholarship of the Executive Board (Uprava) of the Bessarabian Provincial Zemstvo.
In 1912, against I. Pelivan, who at the time served as city judge in Balti, a complaint was filed in which he was accused of insulting. Finally, the application was considered by the Governing Senate, which acquitted him.
In the final part, based on previously unpublished archival documents there is indicated the real cause for the offset of Ioan Pelivan from the position of Balti city judge. Copies of the documents are annexed to the article.
Dinu Poștarencu
The Bessarabian aristocrats Dicescu
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. IV [XIX], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Dinu Poștarencu
Transfer of Soroca town from private property to state property
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. II [XVII], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Dinu Poștarencu
Non-indigenous district police officers in the first years after the annexation of Bessarabia
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. VI [XXI], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Dinu Poștarencu
Ioan Halippa – passionate researcher of the history of Bessarabia
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. IX [XXIV], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie Chișinău, 2015
Dinu Poștarencu
Mihail Ozmidov, the first architect and land surveyor of the tsarist Bessarabia
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. I [XVI], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie Chișinău, 2007
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 National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
The National Museum of History of Moldova takes place among the most significant museum institutions of the Republic of Moldova, in terms of both its collection and scientific reputation.
31 August 1989 St., 121 A, MD 2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
