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.
Some facts regarding memorial valorification of family house Lazo from Piatra, Orhei
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. IV [XIX], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
The transformation of family house Lazo from Piatra, Orhei into a museum was first brought into discussion in 1967, at one of the meetings of the College of the Ministry of Culture of Moldavian SSR. The restoration of the house was conducted in 1970-1973 according to architects R. Kurtz’s and F. Naumov’s project. The Memorial house „S.Gh. Lazo” was inaugurated on 7th march 1974 along with an exhibition consecrated to the legendary hero of the civil war S.Gh. Lazo. The memorial house „S.Gh. Lazo” became a subsidiary of the National Museum of History of Moldova as of order no. 220 from 1st August 1990 by the Ministry of Culture of Moldavian SSR. In 1993 the museum exhibition underwent insignificant changes, but it is in this period when important changes occur in the museum title. The Memorial house „S.Gh. Lazo” becomes Manor of Lazo family. In 2008 the museum exhibition was closed and the restoration of the manor started. Along the restoration an exhibition new concept was to be elaborated - a difficult task in the absence of memorial pieces and memorial environment. The thematic is to be based in this case on the total restoration method or on conditional restoration. There is no alternative unfortunately. Only this way we will be able to protect and preserve the manor of Lazo family – a witness of national cultural identity.
Elena Ploșnița, Tatiana Buianina
The cost of a visit to the museum: Analysis of a survey
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. VIII [XXIII], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Elena Ploșnița
Ioan Opriș, Provocarea noilor muzeografii, Editura Istros, Brăila, 2008, 236 p., ISBN:978-973-1871-16-5.
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. III [XVIII], 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.