Licitar hearts - Unesco's list from Croatia

1. LICITAR HEARTS
JUST being PLACED ON UNESCO’S
LIST!

2. THE 8TH UNESCO’s intengible CULTURAL
HERITAGE IN CROATIA!
• After seven other unmaterial cultural
heritage events, licitar hearts have finally
been rewarded!
• Congratulations!!!

3. 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.

4. 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!).

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Here they are

8. Let’s take a look at them!

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. And the images:

13. Each is unique!