#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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Opening of the photographic art exhibition "Impressions of India"

June 4, 2024

On June 4, at the National Museum of History of Moldova, the opening of the photographic art exhibition "Impressions from India" by the artist Paul Bock (USA), organized by the International Association "Euro Photo Art" from Oradea (AIEFA) took place.

This exhibition, organized under the auspices of the International Federation of Photographic Art recognized by UNESCO, in collaboration with the National Museum of History of Moldova, the Embassy of India in Romania and the Republic of Moldova, and Summit Agro Romania, part of the Japanese Corporation "Sumitomo", supporter of agriculture and of art, presents a selection of 50 large photographs taken by Paul Bock, originally from Oradea and AIEFA member. The photos were captured during a trip to India in the year 2022.

The General Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Ana Varzari, the former Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Natalia Gavriliță, the Deputy Mayor of Chisinau, Angela Cutasevici, the Ambassador of India to Romania, the Republic of Moldova and Albania, Rahul Shrivastava, the curator of the exhibition, the photographer Ștefan Tóth István, the president of AFIAP, ESFIAP, and representatives of the Summit Agro Company from Romania, the Republic of Moldova, Bulgaria and Adria.

The general director of NMHM, Eugen Sava, stated that this is the first thematic exhibition dedicated to India hosted by the National Museum of History of Moldova. "For the citizens of the Republic of Moldova, India is an enigma, and through this exhibition, supported by the Embassy of India, we have the opportunity to discover this country with a rich history. This is proof of the international collaboration between our countries".

Ana Varzari, General Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, emphasized that the "Impressions of India" exhibition is not just a simple collection of photographs. "These impressive images provide a window into a millennia-old civilization, India's tourist attractions and beauties, its daily life and culture. Last year, the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova was opened in New Delhi, which we hope will become a catalyst for bilateral projects. We hope this exhibition will help our citizens to know India better."

India's Ambassador to Romania, Republic of Moldova and Albania, Rahul Shrivastava, highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy and cultural relations between the two countries, thanking the National History Museum of Moldova for hosting the exhibition.

During the event, the photo album "Impressions from India" by Paul Bock was launched, made with the financial support of the Embassy of India in Romania and published by "Euro Foto Art" Publishing House. Viola artist Thurzó Sándor József from Oradea performed several pieces from the Indian repertoire, including "Poor Heart" by A.R. Rahman, 'Fire in Poroshmoni City' by R. Tagore, 'I Still Want You' by Mithoon and 'Sare Jahan Se Acha' by Suhale Mazoor.

The photographic art exhibition "Impressions from India" can be seen until June 30, in the hall on the ground floor of the National Museum of History of Moldova, Chisinau, str. 31 August 1989, 121A.

#Exhibit of the Month

Decorative Bells

Opening of the photographic art exhibition "Impressions of India"

June 4, 2024

#Exhibit of the Month