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.
Research on the burial mound no. 2 of the “Bel’mak-Mogila” group near the village of Trudovoe (Kuibyshevo District, Zaporizhia Region)
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. IX [XXIV], nr. 1, Arheologie. Istorie Antică Chișinău, 2015
Abstract
This paper introduces into the scientific use the results of archaeological investigations undertaken in the burial mound no. 2 near the village of Trudovoe. As a result of the research there were identified four stages in the process of building of the tumulus. There were also discovered many findings, such as a bronze cauldron, a granite altar etc., attributed to the Cimmerian culture.
List of illustrations: Fig. 1. Trudovoe. Geographical location and situational plan of the mounds. Fig. 2. Trudovoe General plan and profi les of the mound no. 2. Fig. 3. Trudovoe. General plan of the burial no. 1. Fig. 4. Trudovoe. General plan and profi les of burial no. 2 Fig. 5. Trudovoe 1, 2 - fragments of pottery; 3 - sculpture (phallus (?)); 4 - altar. Fig. 6. Trudovoe. 1 - fragments of a wooden vessel with a bronze rivet; 2 - fragments of a bronze lining with a nail; 3 - fragment of an iron knife; 4 - large pot (korchaga). Fig. 7. Trudovoe. 1 - fragment of an iron rim; 2 - bronze vessel; 3 - reconstruction of a bronze vessel. Photo 1. Trudovoe. 1 - fragment of a wooden vessel; 2 - bronze casings; 3 - bronze nails; 4, 5 - fragments of pottery; 6 - fragment of an iron knife; 7 - large pot (korchaga); 8 - altar. Photo 2. Trudovoe. Bronze vessel: 1 - the bottom; 2 - top view; 3 - general view. Photo 3. Trudovoe. 1-3 - details of a bronze vessel plates connection; 4 - the place of connection of the iron rim; 5 - fragment of the iron rim. Photo 4. Trudovoe. Sculpture (phallus (?)).
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
