#Exhibit of the Month

Christmas bells entered the Romanian cultural space through a long process in which archaic traditions blended with Christian belief and European influences. Long before the holiday of Christmas developed as we know it, metallic sounds played an important ritual role in old communities: they were used to drive away evil spirits, to purify spaces, and to protect people during transitional moments at the turn of the year. These beliefs have been preserved in winter customs such as caroling, the Plugușor, and masked dances, where bells and jingles were indispensable.
With the spread of Christianity, the sound of the bell also acquired a profound religious meaning, becoming an announcer of major feasts and a symbol of the Nativity. Small bells, however, were not originally used as decorations but primarily as functional or ritual objects.
The first decorated Christmas tree in the Romanian lands was the one at the palace of Prince Carol I of Hohenzollern, following his arrival in the Romanian Principalities in 1866. From that moment the tradition took root, and on Christmas Eve princes and princesses invited to the palace would take part in decorating the tree. Among the ornaments used were small metal bells, symbolizing joy, the good news, and divine protection for the home.
In the twentieth century, Christmas bells spread across all Romanian provinces and became a visual emblem of the holiday, appearing in both decorations and carols. Even during periods when religious expression was curtailed, bells remained in people's homes as signs of joy and the continuity of tradition. Today they retain this dual meaning: the echo of ancient beliefs and, at the same time, the announcement of the Birth of Christ - a symbol of hope, light, and the link between past and present.
These tinkling pieces are part of a generous heritage collection at the National Museum of History of Moldova (NMHM), which includes more than 200 cultural items. A substantial contribution to the museum's collection of decorative bells was made by Dorina Raischi, a teacher at School No. 94 in Chișinău, who donated 174 bells, of which around 30 are winter-themed. Made of ceramic, porcelain, glass, and metal, they were brought from different parts of the world and together offer a succinct picture of the global culture of bells. They add a festive note to the home and even to a gift, and it is hard to imagine Christmas without their cheerful tinkling.

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Events Archive

Opening of the Exhibition "Moldovan Painters of Jewish Origin"

September 9, 2024

On September 9, 2024, the National Museum of History of Moldova hosted the opening of the exhibition "Moldovan Painters of Jewish Origin," part of the European Days of Jewish Culture Festival. The event took place at the museum's headquarters, Str. 31 August 1989, No. 121A.

The exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova, the Jewish Community of Moldova, with support from the Agency for Interethnic Relations, the European Association for the Conservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage, the Embassies of Austria and the Czech Republic, the Nativ Mission, and the Israeli Cultural Center, showcased the works of three distinguished Moldovan artists: Eduard Maidenberg, Mihail Brunea, and Iakov Tihman.

The event was inaugurated by Dr. Eugen Sava, General Director of the National Museum of History of Moldova, who highlighted the importance and significance of the exhibition within Moldova's cultural landscape. Sergiu Prodan, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Moldova, delivered a speech acknowledging the festival and exhibition's role in celebrating and preserving Jewish cultural heritage.

Alexander Bilinkis, President of the Jewish Community of Moldova, spoke about the significance of the exhibition and the contributions of the featured artists to Moldovan and Jewish cultural traditions. Additionally, Marina Anukova, Head of the Nativ Representation in Moldova and the Israeli Cultural Center, extended a greeting, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in promoting and celebrating cultural heritage.

The exhibition featured works by Eduard Maidenberg, born February 10, 1960, known for his contributions to book graphics; Mihail Brunea, born in 1949, recognized for his unique technique combining three-dimensional elements, color, and graphics; and Iakov Tihman, born November 20, 1945, acknowledged for his long-standing dedication to painting, literature, and community leadership.
Open to the public from September 9 to September 14, 2024, the exhibition provided a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the artistic contributions of the three artists, adding depth and diversity to Moldovan and Jewish cultural heritage.

The "Moldovan Painters of Jewish Origin" exhibition can be visited from September 7 to September 14, 2024, at the National Museum of History of Moldova, Chișinău, Str. 31 August 1989, No. 121A.

#Exhibit of the Month

Decorative Bells

Opening of the Exhibition "Moldovan Painters of Jewish Origin"

September 9, 2024

#Exhibit of the Month