Cherished in Australian Homes
By Suzana Fantov
Wherever Croatians go, their hearts remain tied to their homeland. And one heart, in particular – the Licitar heart – has, for generations, helped keep that connection alive. Brightly coloured and hand-decorated, sweet to look at (and eat), this little heart carries with it a deep sense of tradition, artistry, emotion and identity. It’s no wonder that many Croatians in Australia proudly display it in their homes, community clubs, and even art studios.
In Croatian community centres across Australia – from Sydney and Melbourne to Perth and Adelaide – the Licitar heart is a familiar sight. It decorates walls, appears in festive ornaments, inspires arts and crafts workshops, and features as a motif in traditional costume designs and jewellery. In Croatian households, especially around Christmas, it often hangs on the tree or is framed on the wall – a small but powerful reminder of home and heritage.
From Monasteries to UNESCO: The Story Behind the Heart
The tradition of Licitar-making dates back to the Middle Ages. In the 16th and 17th centuries, monasteries across Europe used ornate wooden moulds to shape honey-based cakes. This practice evolved into a thriving craft, especially in northwestern Croatia – in cities like Zagreb, Samobor, Karlovac and Varaždin. Licitar-makers became respected artisans, creating not only hearts but also candles, gingerbread, wax votive gifts, and traditional drinks like gvirc and medica.
Their colourful, fragrant stalls added charm to local fairs and religious festivals. Today, centuries later, this heritage lives on – and in 2010, UNESCO officially recognised Licitar-making as part of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. A fitting tribute to a tradition that combines community, creativity and cultural pride.
Make Your Own Licitar Heart – A Traditional Recipe
Even if you’re far from Croatian artisan workshops, you can still make your very own Licitar heart at home! All it takes is a bit of time, patience and love.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 1 kg sugar
- 600 ml water
- 20–30 g fresh yeast (or traditional Licitar yeast)
- 2 kg plain flour
Glaze:
- 330 g gelatine
- 1 litre water
- Red food colouring
For decorating:
- Sugar syrup
- Gelatine
- Potato starch
- Food colouring
- Royal icing (made with icing sugar, egg white and lemon juice)
Instructions:
- Prepare the dough
Dissolve the sugar in water, then add the yeast and flour. Knead into a smooth, firm dough. - Shape the hearts
Roll the dough to about 0.5–1 cm thickness and cut out heart shapes using metal cutters or templates. - Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C until lightly golden. - Stick and string (for small hearts)
If making small hanging ornaments, stick two hearts together using a flour-and-water paste, placing a piece of string between them. - Dip in glaze (“tunkanje”)
Prepare the gelatine glaze with red colouring. Dip the cooled hearts into the glaze, then hang to dry completely. - Decorate (“cifranje”)
Using royal icing and a piping cone or cake-decorating syringe, create white swirls, flowers, leaves, and other traditional patterns. You can also add coloured sugar or painted accents.
More Than a Treat – A Heart Full of Meaning
Traditionally, young men would gift Licitar hearts to their sweethearts as a symbol of affection – especially on Valentine’s Day. This custom even inspired the Croatian composer Krešimir Baranović to write the ballet Licitar Heart, performed on stages across the world.
Though rooted in northwestern Croatia, the Licitar has grown into a national symbol. Among Croats in Australia, it’s more than a souvenir – it’s a connection to their roots. It proudly adorns spaces during festive gatherings, national holiday celebrations, folklore evenings and weddings.
A Sweet Link Between Homeland and the Diaspora
In a world where distances are great, but emotional ties run deep, the Licitar heart is a bridge between the past and the present, between generations and cultures. Whether on a Christmas tree, in a club, or in a child’s memory box, it reminds us that no matter where we are, our Croatian heart beats just as strongly.
