Word Licitar originates from the German word Lebzelter, but derives from Latin word Libum, which means sacrificial cookie. Licitar craft is old about 4000 years, and the biggest workshops for producing these biscuits were in Egipt. Romans brought it to Europe, but the greatest growth of this craft was in the ages of Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. A large number of licitar makers, "medokolačar", were in this business, which requests a lot of artistry, time and devotion.
Each and every piece of licitar biscuite, wheather it is in a shape of heart, animal, or a doll, is unique, because every cookie is 100% handmade and there are no two identical pieces. The most popular biscuite is in the shape of heart. This heart besides colorfull decoration has the small mirror on it. These kind of hearts guys used to give to their girlfriends as a sign of their deep love and as our grandmothers and grandfathers remember as a sing of engagement, just like the ring means today.
Licitar Hearts Production
"This job needs a lot of love, not everyone can make good licitar hearts, for only one you will need at least two hours. Making licitar hearts is still traditional and time-consuming work. First, out of water, flour and honey you have to mix the dough, then to shape it with the molds. After that hearts are being baked, dried out and colored with natural edable colors, traditionaly in red, and aferward decorated as wished.." - Bratislav Pajić.