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 policy of the Russian Empire aimed at the granting of privileges to Bulgarian colonists in Bessarabia in the first half of 19th century
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. VI [XXI], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
The article outlines how the Bulgarians, in the fight for their rights, with the help of their patron Ivan Nikitich Inzov received the coveted status of the colonists. On December 29, 1819 the tsarist government bestowed these settlers with rights and privileges, which equated them with the German colonists. The Transdanubian settlers received 555,608 dessiatinas (a Russian measure of land equal to 2.7 acres) in Bessarabia. Bulgarians enjoyed a special status, because, primarily, they moved to Budjac being attracted by guarantees of the Russian command; for example, Mikhail Kutuzov in 1811 promised them the rights and privileges if they would establish in Bessarabia. Secondly, they could not be subordinated to the Moldavian major landowners, because in the first half of the 19th century there has already been established imperial administration, which did not recognize the old laws of Moldavian Principality. And, thirdly, the Bulgarian refugees came to Bessarabia in search of freedom, not to become dependent.
List of illustrations: 1. A Bulgarian settler’s family from Bessarabia. 19th century. 2. Ivan Nikitich Inzov – the main intercessor of foreign settlers in southern Russia (portrait painted in the studio of G. Dawe, 1840).
Степан Булгар, Иван Думиника
The Gagauz in the context of the Romanian-Turkish relations in the period from 1918 to 1940: History and personalities
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. IX [XXIV], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie Chișinău, 2015
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.