CROATIAN SOUVENIRS

Association of Craftsmen Zagreb made the fair that was organized under the name "Manufacturers souvenirs of Zagreb - Zagreb" which took place from 15th to 18th September 2014 in Zagreb's main square- Ban Jelacic Square. The event was attended by various manufacturers, 17 of them, among which are found many interesting artifacts.

Among all traditional crafts in Croatia, here we will talk only about some of them which are the most recognizable on this area.

1.  CRAVAT (kravata)

History of decorative clothing item originates from 17.century when Croatian soldiers participated in the Thirty Years war that happened on the area of today¨s Germany, and as an object of recognition, along with the uniforms, they worn scarves painted by many different colors and shapes which was carefully tied around their neck.

Common soldiers worn scarves made of linen materials, while nobles had scarves made from lace or some other interesting materials.

That new, strange fashion was especially interesting for the French who had in various literary pieces described the passion about that new and unique fashion; „…About 1635.year, around six thousand soldiers and knights, has come to Paris as a support to the French king Luj XIII. Among them, there was a big number of Croatian mercenaries who were, led by a ban, stayed in service of French king. Traditional uniform with painted scarves around their neck, has raised attention of the French palace. Scarves was made from different materials, from rougher which wore common soldiers, to the silk and cotton, which was reserved only for officers. That „croatian elegant style“, totally unknown at that time in Europe, around 1650. Year was fully accepted in the French court and becomes very popular fashion object among the bourgeoisie of that time, as symbol of elegance and culture. Besides their beauty , those scarves was much more practical than old rigid collar. The “cravat” was bring to England by Karlo II., as he came back from exile. At that point, cravat become a fashion trend in the whole Europe…”- "La Grande Historie de la Cravate",  Francois Chaille.

Tying a scarf "a la Croate" quickly spread through the Europe. After the Frenchman, the cravat was accepted by the Belgians and the Dutch, and has moved to the British Isles where the trend seen tremendous growth in popularity when the British changed the way of tying, colors, fabrics and shapes. After these changes tie spread all over the world, and although Croatia did not patented the product, it still retained the original name of the tie which comes from the French word "croata".

2.  CROAT'S WARM HEART (Licitarsko srce)

Tradition of making Croat's warm heart(gingerbread) dates back to the Middle Ages, when was usual in European monasteries, to make a cookie in richly decorated wooden molds. Croat's warm heart is colorfully decorated cookie made of sweet dough which is traditionally made in lowland and central part of Croatia. It is traditionally bright red color, decorated with colorful decorations, and it is made in different sizes and shapes.

Similar cookie to this one can be found all around the Europe- in Österreic and Germany this cookies are called Lebkuchen or Lebzelter, in the Czech Republic is perník, medovník in Slovakia, Slovenia lect and others.

Thanks to the great art and unique way of painting that Croatian craftsmen passed on and developed from generation to generation, gingerbread has today become one of the national symbols and an authentic Croatian traditional souvenir.

3.  ŠESTINSKI UMBRELLA (Šestinski kišobran)

Šestinski umbrella dates from the mid 18th century. It is the part of Šestine traditional costumes worn by the 1960 years of the 20th century, and since then slowly disappearing from everyday life.
The art of making Šestinski umbrella is part of the list of protected intangible cultural heritage of Croatian. Šestinski umbrella is characterized by red cotton canvas with multicolored stripes, thick wooden stick and naturally handle folded chestnut. Today, the pattern can be found at Zagreb's most famous Dolac market, where they serve as an umbrella and parasol and its colors entertains the entire market.