Licitar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gingerbread craft from Northern Croatia |
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UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
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Licitar Hearts
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| Country | Croatia |
| Reference | 356 |
| Region | Europe and North America |
| Inscription history | |
| Inscription | 2010 |
| List | Representative |
Licitars are bright, colorful biscuits. They are made from sweet honey dough. These special treats are a big part of the culture in Croatia and Slovenia. They are a traditional symbol of Zagreb, the capital city of Croatia.
People often give Licitars as pretty gifts. They are popular for celebrations like weddings and Valentine's Day. During Christmas, Zagreb city, especially the main square's Christmas tree, is decorated with thousands of these heart-shaped Licitars.
In 2010, UNESCO recognized the "Gingerbread craft from Northern Croatia." They added it to their "Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage." This means it's an important part of Croatian culture to protect.
The Story of Licitars
The tradition of making and giving Licitars goes back a long time. It started in the 16th century. People who made Licitars were called Medičari. They were highly respected in their communities. Their Licitars were very popular gifts.
Even today, only a few families keep this art alive. They pass down their secret methods from generation to generation. The way they make Licitars has not changed much over time. It still takes more than a month to make just one Licitar.
Licitars became famous because they were sold at a special place. This was the Marian shrine of Marija Bistrica, near Zagreb. Many pilgrims visited this shrine. They came for special days like the Assumption or St Margaret's Day.
Licitars were not a religious symbol themselves. However, people often bought them. They took them home as a reminder of their long journey to Zagorje. The simple shape and bright colors of Licitars made them a great souvenir. People loved to show them to their families and neighbors.
How Licitars Are Made
Licitars are made using old traditions and a lot of care. The ingredients are very simple. They include honey, flour, eggs, water, and natural colors. But preparing them takes a long time.
First, the dough needs to rest for a few days. Then, it is shaped and baked. After baking, the shapes dry for two weeks. Next, they are colored. They dry again for another two weeks. Once completely dry, the Licitars are decorated. Finally, they dry one last time for a week.
Traditionally, Licitars are made completely by hand. They are usually decorated with swirly lines and small flowers. Sometimes, they even have a tiny mirror on them. Since they are made from honey dough and natural things, you can eat them before some decorations are added.
People sometimes mistakenly call Licitars "gingerbread." However, Licitars do not actually contain any ginger.
Licitars Today
Today, Licitars are popular souvenirs in Croatia and Slovenia. You can find them in airports and many gift shops. They are also used as decorations for Christmas trees.
Licitars are often given as small gifts to guests at weddings. Businesses also use them as special gifts. They serve many other decorative purposes too. And of course, they are still given as a sweet way to show affection to people you care about.
