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.
Considerations regarding the museum policies within the complex Orheiul Vechi and future perspectives
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. IV [XIX], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
The general analysis of public policies aimed at the heritage complex Orheiul Vechi attests the absence of some consequent actions in the promotion of strategies and objectives proposed in various periods. The creation of the Reserve in 1968 and the subsequent cultural-museographic policies promoted by public institution demonstrated promising results until 1983. Nevertheless, in the activity of Orheiul Vechi complex is observed a crisis beginning with 1985, initially at the managerial level and later at the level of cultural-museum policies, situation largely due to some inconsistent actions, even deficient, promoted by the Ministry of Culture. The adoption of the concept of Museum complex „Orhei medieval town” in 1991 didn’t prove to be the best solution. Therefore, following a series of investigations undertaken on occasion of elaborating the Nomination File Orheiul Vechi Cultural Landscape and with the consideration of UNESCO international experts’ recommendations, was realized the need to redefine and create a new vision of Orheiul Vechi. The new vision had to consider both the elements of the natural and cultural heritage, and had to organically reflect the formation and development of this space from prehistory until present – that was the adoption in 2008 of the concept of „Cultural-natural reserve Orheiul Vechi”.
Gheorghe Postică
Monks’ graves with head support stones, discovered at Căpriana Monastery
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. XIX [XXXIV], nr. 1, Arheologie. Istorie Antică, Chişinău, 2025
Gheorghe Postică
The early medieval spirituality in the Prut-Nistru space
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. II [XVII], nr. 1, Arheologie. Istorie Antică
Gheorghe Postică
Die Perlenmosaik mit Miniaturporträts des römischen Kaisers Konstantin der Große, Constantinus II und Constantius II aus Bursuceni, Republik Moldau
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. VIII [XXIII], nr. 1, Arheologie. Istorie Antică
Iulia Postică
Data from the museification of Orheiul Vechi
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. III [XVIII], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Iulia Postică
Rediscovering The Lost World of Old Europe
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. IV [XIX], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
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
