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.
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. III [XVIII], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
The discoveries from the 1950ies and 1960ies at Orheiul Vechi have uncovered a series of archaeological monuments which witness the presence of the man in this space from Paleolithic until the modern period. The realization of the scientific and historical importance of the discoveries from the area of Orheiul Vechi has lead to the inclusion of the Moldavian medieval town into the political agenda of SSRM by its insertion in the first list of archaeological monuments protected by the state in 1949, along other 11 monuments. The protection and museification of Orheiul Vechi heritage has known several stages of development starting with 1966 when the fist museum complex has been created and ending with the year 2009 when a new concept of reserve was introduced in the Republic of Moldova under the cultural-natural reserve Orheiul Vechi pilot project. Two logics have been remarked which differ in aim, finality and political-ideological motivation, but which support each over and are solidaristic in the immediate action of safeguarding the historic-archaeological heritage. The article has 7 annexes with detailed information based on archival data on the protection, conservation, restoration, and touristic practices from Orheiul Vechi.
Iulia Postică
Museum exhibition – a means to valorize the archaeological heritage
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. I [XVI], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie Chișinău, 2007
Iulia Postică
Legislative aspects regarding the protection of the archaeological heritage in the Republic of Moldova (1945-2007)
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. II [XVII], nr. 1, Arheologie. Istorie Antică
Iulia Postică
Rediscovering The Lost World of Old Europe
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. IV [XIX], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Gheorghe Postică, Iulia Postică
Considerations regarding the museum policies within the complex Orheiul Vechi and future perspectives
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. IV [XIX], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Iulia Postică
Public archaeology of museum complex Orheiul Vechi
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. I [XVI], nr. 1, Arheologie. Istorie Antică 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.