#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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Opening of the exhibition "Bessarabian Bulgarians and the Liberation of Bulgaria"

March 4, 2023

On March 4, 2023, in the hall of the House of Culture of the city of Taraclia, was opened the photo-documentary exhibition "Bessarabian Bulgarians and the Liberation of Bulgaria", dedicated to the 145 years since the liberation of Bulgaria from the domination of the Ottoman Empire.

During the exhibition launch event, the vice-president of the Taraclia district, Mr. Alexandru Borimecicov, emphasized the importance of the exhibition and it must to be sent to all educational institutions in the Taraclia district to popularize knowledge about the Bessarabian Bulgarians, who participated in the Liberation of the Motherland their history. Also, Mr. Borimecicov mentioned that in autumn, the exhibition will be sent to Bulgaria, where it will be temporarily exhibited in the Presidency and Parliament of the Republic of Bulgaria.

The General Director of the National Museum of History of Moldova, dr. hab. Eugen Sava reiterated NMHM's openness to the initiative of the Taraclia District Council and the Scientific Society of Bulgarians from the Republic of Moldova to jointly organize this exhibition. The exhibition includes documents and photographs from the NMHM funds, and the purpose of the museum, as a cultural, scientific and educational institution, is to promote historical values and present them to the general public objectively.

The Consul of the Republic of Bulgaria in Taraclia, Mr. Liubomir Dimov, congratulated everyone present on the National Day of Bulgaria. Mr. Dimov thanked the National Museum of History of Moldova for the fruitful collaboration with Bulgarian scientific and cultural public organizations from the Republic of Moldova and expressed his desire to personally visit the National Museum of History of Moldova to see the originals of some objects, which are related to the history of Bulgaria and Moldovan-Bulgarian cultural relations.

The President of the Scientific Society of Bulgarians from the Republic of Moldova dr. hab. Ivan Duminica pointed out the practical value of the exhibition, which will be used as course support for the subject of studies "History, tradition and culture of the Bulgarian people", which is taught in schools in the Taraclia district.

Toward the end of the event, Mrs. Maria Evdochimova, NMHM museographer, presented the exhibition to the audience, telling in the smallest details about the images, documents and objects present on the exhibition banners. Ms. Evdochimova reviewed the events that led to the liberation of Bulgaria and reported on the Bessarabian Bulgarians who participated in these processes.

As a sign of gratitude, for the realization of this exhibition, the vice-president of the Taraclia district, Mr. Alexandru Borimecicov, awarded diplomas of honor to the NMHM team, represented by Mr. Eugen Sava, General Director, Mrs. Livia Sîrbu, Deputy Director for Communication, Mrs. Maria Evdochimova, museographer, Sorin Șclearuc, main specialist in communication, and Mr. Ivan Duminică, President of the Scientific Society of Bulgarians from the Republic of Moldova.

#Exhibit of the Month

Easter-Themed Postcards

Opening of the exhibition "Bessarabian Bulgarians and the Liberation of Bulgaria"

March 4, 2023

#Exhibit of the Month