#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.

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African Fashion Show for Charity 2024

May 25, 2024

On May 25, 2024 African Fashion Show for Charity took place at the National Museum of History of Moldova in Chișinău. This event, now in its second edition, aims to promote cultural diversity and support charitable causes.

The event was supported by famous international model Kamila Lumor, who flew from Milan for the occasion. Among the distinguished guests were the Minister of Education and Research, Dan Perciun, the Romanian Ambassador to Chișinău, Cristian-Leon Țurcanu, diplomatic representatives, influential public figures from Moldova, and fashion enthusiasts.

The show featured unique clothing pieces from renowned international designers such as Zita Milano from the UK, representatives from India via the Indo-Mold Business and Cultural Organization (IMBCO), as well as local designers such as Florii, Gorgette, and C'EST Cher. Students from the Technical University of Moldova and State Pedagogical University "Ion Creangă" also had the opportunity to showcase their creations on the runway.

Founded by Yerie Mary Kamara Paglione, the African Fashion Show for Charity aims to unite African and European cultures, celebrating the friendship and cultural diversity between these continents. The event brought together participants from Sierra Leone, UK, Ghana, Moldova, India, Colombia, and Turkey.

The funds raised through ticket sales, donations, and the sale of African accessories are dedicated to supporting charitable initiatives, such as the development of palliative care services by the organization Hospices of Hope Moldova and aid young designers in Moldova through the ZIP House fashion hub.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this event possible:

General Sponsor: Association of Community Initiatives and Sport (ASICS)
Partners: National Museum of History of Moldova, Lifemantra Maven Solutions, International Women Club Moldova, Embassy of India in Bucharest, Regency Hotel, Irina Negara Desert, ZIPhouse Fashion Hub, Iomodels School, Ozlem Sertel, Basavin Winery, Zentrum Restaurants, Pearl Code, Sabrina Gubadov - Social Media Consultant, iTicket.
Media Partners: Vocea Basarabiei, Radio Noroc
Photo Partner: Ruslan Chihai

We also extend our gratitude to all the volunteers who dedicated their time to help organize this event.