Now we are flying Zagreb, the capital and the largest city of Croatia. It is also the cultural, scientific, economic and governmental center of Croatia, and a global city.
Oh, now Feroz and Amit want Licitars for their wives!
What on earth is a Licitar??
Licitars are part of Croatia's cultural heritage and a traditional symbol of Zagreb. They are used as an ornamental gift often given at celebrations of love such as weddings, St. Valentines day, birthdays.
The tradition of making and giving Licitars is very old, stretching as far back as the 14th Century.
Licitar makers, known as (Medicari), were highly regarded in society, and their Licitars very much sort after (licitars were more sentimental than giving a bouquet of roses!).
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!!
Sita and Nopi love to bake so now they want the recipe!!
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. 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.
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.
The guys have bought Licitars from a tourist gift shop for all of us!!!
How very sweet of them. Thanks guys!!! This is a really pretty souvenir of Croatia.........
Durban Time
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