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.
Concert posters from the National Museum of History of Moldova
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. VIII [XXIII], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
This paper is the result of research of the collection of concert posters from the NMHM collections. It was found that the posters refer to the period of time from 1900 to 2010 and represent a brief chronicle of the musical life of Moldova east of the Prut River. Chronologically and by the method of production, form and content they can be classified into four categories: 1) concert posters of the times of Imperial Russia, 2) concert posters of the times of Romanian government, 3) concert posters of the Soviet period, and 4) concert posters of the Republic Moldova. The posters of the first two categories contain much text, partly black and white images, are of small size (A4 sheet), printed on paper of poor quality, mainly newsprint. Posters of the Soviet period are of two types: posters with lots of text without images and color posters, of various sizes. Concert posters of the Republic of Moldova have diverse formats and images, but provide little information. It was also found that the concert posters of the times of Tsarist Russia and the Romanian government are very few, and posters of singers and musical groups, as well as folk singers and orchestras of 1960s are completely missing.
List of illustrations:
1. Poster. Concert by baritone V. Annenkov in the Chișinău Nobility Assembly Hall, 1900. 2. Poster. Concert by A. Vertinsky in the Chișinău Diocesan Hall, 1931. 3. Poster. Concert by M. Zlatova’s students in the Chișinău Municipal Conservatory, 1930s. 4. Poster. Charity concert by soprano A. Dicescu in the Romanian Athenaeum, Bucharest, 1930s. 5. Poster. Concert in memory of Tchaikovsky in the Hall of Chișinău Conservatory “Unirea”, 1933. 6. Poster. Symphony Orchestra under the direction of B. Milyutin, Tiraspol, 1936. 7. Poster. State Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, soloist L. Babici, Chișinău, 1941. 8. Poster. Concert dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the MSSR, Chișinău, 1949. 9. Poster. International music festival “Marțișor”, Chișinău, 1978. Author V. Shishkov. 10. Poster. Greek Bouzouki band, Chișinău, 1984. Authors V. Borisov and M. Afanasyev. 11. Poster. Hungarian singer Rezsö Soltesz, Chișinău, 1980s. 12. Tour poster. Folk music orchestra “Lăutarii”, 1988. 13. Poster. Folksinger N. Glib, Chișinău, 1990. Authors S. Solonari, V. Sinitsky. 14. Poster. Folk music orchestra “Mugurel”, conductor I. Dascăl, 1990s. Author S. Solonari, photo M. Potârniche. 15. Poster. National Academic Folk Dance Ensemble “Joc”, artistic director and chief choreographer V. Curbet. 1990s. 16. Poster. Group “Trigon”, 1990s. Author S. Plămădeală. 17. Poster. Group “Noroc”, artistic director M. Dolgan, 1990s. 18. Poster. The “Silver Chrysanthemum” Competition, Chișinău, 2004.
Vera Stăvilă
The “Luceafărul” Republican Theatre for Children and Youth: Pages of History
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. V [XX], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Vera Stăvilă
The National Theater „Vasile Alecsandri” from Bălți: historical retrospective
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. IV [XIX], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Vera Stăvilă
Contribution to the study of the activity of the Chișinău orphanage “Children’s home”
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. I [XVI], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie Chișinău, 2007
Vera Stăvilă
Playbills from the collection of the National Museum of Archaeology and History of Moldova
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. VI [XXI], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Vera Stăvilă
Collection of anti-religious drawings and lithographs from the National Museum of History of Moldova
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. IX [XXIV], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie Chișinău, 2015
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.
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31 August 1989 St., 121 A, MD 2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
