LICITAR HEARTS

JUST being PLACED ON UNESCO’S LIST!

THE 8TH UNESCO’s intengible CULTURAL HERITAGE IN CROATIA!

• After seven other unmaterial cultural heritage events, licitar hearts have finally been rewarded!

• Congratulations!!!

Traditional souvenirs and Christmas ornaments in North Croatia

• They are used as an ornamental gift often given at celebrations of love such as weddings, St. Valentine's Day, birthdays. At Christmas time Zagreb is adorned with thousands of licitar hearts; the Christmas tree in the main square is festooned with thousands of licitar hearts.

A brief history of Licitar hearts• The tradition of making and giving Licitars

is very old, stretching as far back as the 14th Century. Licitar makers, known as (Medičari), were highly regarded in society, and their Licitars very much sought after (licitars were more sentimental than giving a bouquet of roses!).

An art form!• Even today the tradition is kept alive by a

select few who covert the art in family secrecy, and their methods of production have scarcely changed! One Licitar still takes over a month to make.

Marija Bistrica and the hearts• Licitars became famous due to their being

sold at Marija Bistrica to which pilgrims visited St Mary of Bistrica for the Assumption or St Margaret's Day. Although not a religious symbol, licitars were often bought to take home as a reminder of their long and sometimes arduous journey to Zagorje. Licitars' simple shape and attractive colour and decorations were a keen souvenir to show their families and neighbours on their return.

Here they are

Let’s take a look at them!

How to make them• Licitars are made using traditional

ingredients, methods and devotion. Their ingredients are simple (honey, flour, eggs, water and natural colours) but their preparation is long. The dough matures for a few days, then is shaped and baked and left for two weeks to dry. Colouring is the next step after which they are left to dry again for two weeks.

Finally decorated with glass• Once dry the licitars are finally decorated

and again left to dry for a week. Traditionally Licitars are 100% handmade, decorated with a swirling outline, small flowers and a small mirror. Being made of honey dough and natural products Licitars are also edible.

Modern uses• In modern times Licitars are very popular

as wedding favours for guests, a traditional Croatian souvenirs (and can be found in all Croatian airports and in many tourist gift shops), Christmas tree decorations, business gifts, many other ornamental purposes, and is still given as a way of showing your affection to the ones you love.

And the images:

Each is unique!