The National Library of the Republic of Moldova is marking the winter holidays with a thematic exhibition dedicated to Christmas, entitled "Christmas in Europe - the celebration that unites us". Nearly 200 documents illustrating the diversity of European Christmas cultural values are on display, IPN reports.

The exhibition is divided into ten compartments, including books, vinyl records, CDs, illustrations, postcards and Christmas artifacts, all of which were described to IPN correspondent by the deputy director of the National Library, Aliona Munteanu.



The first stand presents the origin and history of Christmas. On display are paintings and several editions of children's Bibles. The centerpiece is a three-dimensional book depicting the birth of the Lord, the visit of the shepherds, the heralding angels and the gifts of the Magi.


Another section presents the magic of Christmas in symbols. "On this stand we have bells brought from different European cities, a symbol of Christmas joy, as well as many other decorations, including wreaths of fir", explains the deputy of the BNRM, Aliona Munteanu.



The exhibition continues with the carols section: "It's an impressive collection of Christmas carols from several European countries - from Poland and the UK to the Republic of Moldova. The carols are available in a variety of formats, from vinyl records to CDs and books with lyrics and sheet music", said Aliona Munteanu.



Another section focuses on the symbolism of the Christmas tree: "The Christmas tree is a central symbol of the holiday throughout Europe. We present encyclopaedias, stories and illustrative three-dimensional books", said Aliona Munteanu.


The exhibition includes traditional recipes from different countries, which can inspire visitors to prepare a festive meal. Also on display are old Christmas cards and postcards from different times and countries.


An impressive exhibition stand at the National Library showcases Christmas in the fine arts. Paintings, illustrations and other works of art by famous painters such as Leonardo Davinci reveal the nativity scenes: 'Shepherds in the Bethlehem Plain', 'Choir of Angels', 'Worship of the Magi' (1564) and other scenes from the Nativity story.



The last section is dedicated to Christmas stories, from classics such as Charles Dickens and the Brothers Grimm to contemporary authors.

The Christmas exhibition is a first for the National Library, which, although it has previously organized events dedicated to the holiday, has focused mainly on local traditions and national heritage, and the approach is European and reflects the spirit of cultural unity.

"When we celebrate Christmas in Europe we have the same traditions and customs. On New Year's Eve everyone has something specific, but at Christmas we are all Christians and Europeans", emphasized Aliona Munteanu, deputy of the National Library.

Those wishing to visit the exhibition "Christmas in Europe - the celebration that unites us" are expected until January 15, 2025 in the exhibition space on the ground floor of the central block of the National Library.