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.
The cost of a visit to the museum: Analysis of a survey
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. VIII [XXIII], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Author of the article “The cost of a visit to the museum: Analysis of a survey” analyzes the results of a survey of visitors conducted from July 26 to August 15, 2012 at three national museums – the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History, the National Museum of Fine Arts, and the National Museum of History of Moldova, as well as at the Natural and Cultural Reserve “Old Orhei” and the Pushkin House Museum in Chisinau. There has been used a questionnaire consisting of 12 questions. After analyzing the social status and occupation of the respondents, after determination of the reason for visiting the museum, systematization of data on the degree of satisfaction and the views on the entrance fees, the authors of the study concluded that these five museums’ visitors willing to pay for access to the museum from 13 to 28 MDL, but only if this visit can meet their informational and emotional needs. The public requires a high standard of information, a lot of respect from museum staff, a certain atmosphere of relaxation and a treatment that satisfies all expectations. Regardless of social class, occupation, age, way of perceiving the museum institution, and the level of satisfaction, all respondents consider that the price of the entrance ticket should be increased.
At the time of the survey, the majority of visitors came to the museum because of curiosity or because of social circumstances, without having a clear purpose to visit a specific exhibition or examine the museum contents because of some personal, social or scientific interest. This indicates the ineffectiveness of promotional campaigns / tools applied by museums. At the same time, although the majority of museum visitors note that this is a positive experience for them, there is a part of visitors who are less satisfied with the museum contents. It is clear that visitors prefer modern museums, which are able to satisfy their need for information and relaxation.
The survey results show that the museums do not attract tourist groups, indicating that the organizers of tours do not include museums in tourist routes.
The authors consider that research to the public should be on the agenda of each museum in order to discover the needs and wishes of their visitors and to meet these requirements as best as possible.
Elena Ploșnița
On the strategy of development of museums in the Republic of Moldova
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. VI [XXI], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Elena Ploșnița
Museum Event 2013: International Project When Sweden was ruled from Moldova
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. VII [XXII], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Elena Ploșnița
Anniversary celebrations at the National Museum of History
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. VIII [XXIII], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Elena Ploșnița
On a museum exhibition “The Universe of Calendars”
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. V [XX], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
Elena Ploșnița
Dictionnaire encyclopedique de museologie, sour la direction d'Andre Desvallees et de Francois Mairesse, Paris: Armand Colin, 2011, 723 p. ISBN: 978-2-200-27037-7
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. VI [XXI], 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
