News Feature

Gingerbread custom revived for Valentine's Day

13 February 2009

The Croatian custom of handing your loved ones heart-shaped gingerbread is to be revived for Valentine's Day.

As reported by China Central Television, Osijek-based bakers Antonia and Josip Ranogajac have long-since been perfecting the fine art of romantically crafted gingerbread - which is said to have the power to win over one's heart.

Unfortunately, concerns have been mounting that this noble tradition may soon be extinct - something which Antonia believes is in part down to foreign influence on Croatia's cultural values.

She told China Central Television: "I am not saying we shouldn't accept nice things that come from 'outside'. That is also part of somebody's culture.

"But we shouldn't underestimate ours. I wish our people realised what they had. Starting from ordinary people to those who decide whether this craft will survive or not."

Later this year, the pair will host a complimentary gingerbread painting class at the Museum of Slavonia for Osijek's elementary school children.

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