#Exhibit of the Month

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.

Virtual Tour

Publications

Library „Tyragetia"

Studies on Museology (II)

Series “Biblioteca “Tyragetia” XXIII, Chisinau, 2013. 228 p. ISBN 978-9975-80-765-4; 978-9975-80-766-1.

The volume Studii de muzeologie, II (Museology Studies, II) was officially launched at the end of December 2013 at the National Museum of History of Moldova in the context of a series of scientific and cultural events honoring its 30^th anniversary from foundation on December 21^st, 1983.

The volume appeared in the series Biblioteca „Tyragetia" XXIII (Library „Tyragetia" XXIII) with dr. hab. Eugen Sava and dr. Aurel Zanoci as coordinators, and dr. hab. Elena Ploșnița as responsible of edition. The graphical presentation was done by Ivan Litsiuk and Mihai Sava, the photography is authored by Iurie Foca, and the editing was ensured by Vlad Pohilă and Mariana Balan. The print was done at Bons Offices, on quality paper, on 17x25 format.

On the brown cover appears the museum coat of arms and on the back cover feature abstracts from reviews on the volume signed by dr. hab. Ion Niculiță and dr. Valentina Ursu. The summary includes important scientific contributions in the field of museolgy from the country and from abroad.

Beginning with a short preface signed by dr. hab. E. Sava, the volume has as starting point the Proposal for public policy regarding the modernization and streamlining of museum activities. In April 2012, the Ministry of Culture of Republic of Moldova created a working group who elaborated the project Public policies regarding streamlining museum activities from its subordination. After public debates, the project has been approved in July 2013 by the Inter-ministerial Committee for Strategic Planning from State Chancellery. Two options of the project are to be implemented starting with 2014. Option no. 2 is Management based on performance and development of museums business and educational competences and Option no.3 is Accreditation of collections management and funding of projects for collections development.

The value of this volume relies on the scientific authority of its authors. Among them is the patriarch of museology from contemporary Romania - prof. dr. Ioan Opriș, who presented the study Museographic realities and horizons in which he succeeded in motivating the realities of contemporary museology from Romania and in arguing the perspectives of museum institution evolution.

The study signed by Aurelia Cornețchi - Museum Night - a welcoming concept -surprises with richness of information. The author thinks that the cultural phenomenon Museum night has „revolutionized the museum institutions and has an extraordinary impact on the large public and is a phenomenon in full ascent"

The study made by Lucia Marinescu-Tonu puts to the forefront issues of heritage pedagogy which can contribute to the economic development, social cohesion and active citizenship.

Dr. hab. Elena Ploșnița in Museum heritage - a few lines of reflection and action highlights the need for development of museum institution's heritage based on proper scientific concepts, while the development of the museum itself should start from a management based on marketing policies and information technologies.

The study signed by Adelaida Chiroșca presents the show of an interesting collection - Sealing matrix from the heritage of the National Museum of History of Moldova.

Iurii Piatnițki dedicates a detailed study to the personality of Mihail Mihailovici Savostin, a well-known Russian collector from the end of 19^th-beginning of 20^th century.

Ann Nicholls proposes to the reader a presentation of the European Museum Academy which aims at attracting museographers and museum institutions from Republic of Moldova in the activity of this institution founded by European museographers on the occasion of the 10^th commemoration of the late curator Kenneth Hudson, based in Holland. The academy has the goal to stimulate museum thinking, support of museum research, stimulate pioneer ideas in museum practice etc.

Conceived as a consolidated volume, Studii de muzeologie incite and also inform, its publication being of absolute utility. Written in a clear and sober stile, it will certainly find an honored place among works specific to this field.

The study has a fair edition given the actual conditions. It is essential for this volume to be included in all specialized and public libraries.

We recommend with warmth this volume of studies which is goes in line with the tradition of museum research of the National Museum of History of Moldova.

Dr. hab. Elena Ploșnița

#Exhibit of the Month

Easter-Themed Postcards

Studies on Museology (II)

Series “Biblioteca “Tyragetia” XXIII, Chisinau, 2013. 228 p. ISBN 978-9975-80-765-4; 978-9975-80-766-1.

#Exhibit of the Month