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 Society for the Protection of War Orphans. The Chișinău Regional Committee (1918-1924)
Tyragetia, serie nouă, vol. VIII [XXIII], nr. 2, Istorie. Muzeologie
After the First World War, in addition to the numerous human and material losses suffered, Romania registered over 360.000 orphans of war. In Bessarabia, 24,142 children remained without one or both parents. Providing for their care and education proved to be a difficult task for the national institutions and charity societies. Among the most influential non-governmental organizations of the time that assumed the noble mission of guardianship these orphans, was the Society for the Protection of War Orphans. This study analyzes the evolution of the Chișinău Regional Committee of the Society for the Protection of War Orphans in the first six years of activity.
List of Annexes:
Annex 1. Minutes of the meetings of the Chișinău Regional Committee of the Society for the Protection of War Orphans. a. Minutes on the establishment of the Chișinău Regional Committee of the Society for the Protection of War Orphans. b. Minutes on the establishment of the Chișinău Regional Committee of the Society for the Protection of War Orphans. Signatures of the founding members. c. Minutes of the meetings of the Chișinău Regional Committee of the Society for the Protection of War Orphans from December 7, 1918. The Archbishop Nicodim Munteanu notifies the association about upholding the decision on the transfer of the diocesan orphanage to the Society. The teacher C. Ionescu, priest Theodore Petrovici and orphanage intendant D.S. Popovici are appointed to the commission for inventory and transfer of the institution’s property. d. At the same meeting, the members are informed about the decision of the Directorate-General for Education to cover the payment of two teachers and one manager for the administration of the kindergarten belonging to the orphanage. The Directorate-General of Internal Affairs donates to the Society 4,000 lei. The Orthodox clergy puts at the disposal of the association 1117,50 lei. Two censors and new members are proposed for the steering committee. e. Members of the Chișinău Regional Committee of the Society for the Protection of War Orphans on December 7, 1918.
Annex 2. The orphanages administrated by the Chișinău Regional Committee of the Society for the Protection of War Orphans. a. The orphanage for girls „Princess Elisabeth” in Cetatea Albă County. b. The orphanage for boys „Queen Marie of Romania” in Cahul County. c. The orphanage for boys „Stefan the Great” in Bălți County. d. The orphanage for boys „ Prince Michael” in Tighina County. e. The orphanage for boys „ Ferdinand I” in Chișinău. f. The children of the orphanage „Olga M. Sturdza” in Tighina County.
Annex 3. The organizational structure of the Society for the Protection of War Orphans (1917-1924).
Mihail Iliev
Vasile Stroescu and Romanians of Bihor County
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
