Croatian Cultural Profile - Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing

Croatian Cultural Profile
Sydeny Multicultural Communty Seervices
Community Partners Program
A Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing Initiative
Republika
HRVATSKA
The Croatian profile is a way of enhancing the awareness of the cultural and social
aspects of the Croatian speaking clients. The aim of this booklet is to act as an Aid or
a tool to assist the staff working in an aged care facility to understand, communicate
and interact with the clients speaking in Croatian. It also can improve the
professional skills of the staff and assist them to be more competent in assessing
their clients’ needs.
It further serves as a valuable resource for the aged care service providers for the
purpose of orientation and educating their staff members in providing culturally
appropriate care.
It incorporates the important aspects of the lives of the Croatian speaking
Community such as migration, cultural and traditional values , family and social life.
However, all the information specified in this profile gives a generalised overview of
the Croatian speaking community. The customs described may not apply in equal
measure to all people from Croatian background.
This profile booklet has been funded by the Australian Government Department of
Health and Ageing under the Community Partners Program.
This profile developed by Sydney Multicultural Community Services Community
Partners Program project officer Maryam Maghsoodi.
Rosa Loria – Sydney MCS Director / CPP Manager
Maryam Maghsoodi - Sydney MCS CPP Officer
2010-2011
Croatian community in Australia is the largest national group from the former Socialist
Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY). The 2006 census recorded 50,990 Croatia-born
persons in Australia, and 118,051 persons claiming Croatian ancestry. Croatia was formerly
part of Yugoslavia, so separate data on Croatia-born was not captured by the census prior to
1996.
Prior to 1996, the Australian Census categorised Croatians, Macedonians, Serbian and other
ethnic groups from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia as Yugoslavia-born and not
as Croatian, Serbian, and Macedonia-born and etc.
The former Yugoslavia was overall the third-largest source of migration from Continental
Europe, behind Italy and Greece.
The Republic of Croatia, or Republika Hrvatska, is bordered by Slovenia, Hungary,
Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its extensive Adriatic coastline on the
south-west includes nearly 1,200 islands and islets.
Croatia's population is 4.489 million (2009 estimates). Almost 90 per cent are ethnic Croats ,
Serbs the largest minority group, comprise 4.5 per cent of the population but this figure is
widely thought to understate the real number, the likely explanation being that many Serbs
choose not to declare their ethnicity ,(http://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/croatia/croatia_brief.html).
Former conflict in Croatia
Formerly a republic of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY), Croatia
declared independence from SFRY on 25 June 1991. By the end of 1991 the Serbs controlled nearly
one-third of Croatian territory. Despite deployment of a UN peace-keeping force in 1992, fighting
continued until the end of 1995, when Croatia agreed to the peaceful reintegration of Croatian
provinces that remained in dispute.
Community presence in Australia
The latest Census in 2006 recorded 51 000 Croatia-born people in Australia, a decrease of 1.7 per cent
from the 2001 Census. The 2006 distribution by state and territory showed New South Wales had the
largest number with 18 460 followed by Victoria (18 190), Western Australia (5170) and Queensland
(3860).
The 2006 distribution by state and territory of Croatia-born people in Australia
States and Territory
New South Wales
Victoria
Western Australia
Queensland
South Australia
Australian Capital territory
Tasmania
Northern territory
Census
18 460
18 190
5 170
3860
3470
1540
270
50
2006
(36.2%)
(35.7%)
(10.1%)
(7.6%)
(6.8%)
(3.0%)
(0.5%)
(0.1%)
Community presence in SE and IW Sydney LGAs
South East Sydney (SE Sydney) Language spoken 70+
Local Government Area
Botany
41
Hurstville
82
Kogarah
80
Randwick
53
Rockdale
77
Sutherland
55
Sydney
27
Waverley
31
SE Sydney LGA s
Total = 446
Adapted from NSW TACS ( www.nswtacs.org.au)
Country of Birth 70+
Inner West Sydney
Local Government Area
Ashfield
Burwood
Canada Bay
Canterbury
Leichhardt
Marrickville
Strathfield
Inner West LGAs
Language spoken 70+
Country of Birth 70+
48
56
39
72
13
41
23
Total= 292
49
55
40
73
18
46
23
Total= 304
50
80
86
58
84
63
38
29
Total =488
Adapted from NSW TACS ( www.nswtacs.org.au)
Croatian settlement in Australia began in the 19th century, prompted by strong hostility to AustroHungarian rule. Another cause for emigration from Croatia was the phylloxera disease, which ravaged
the wine industry in Dalmatia. By 1900, a substantial number of Croatian migrants had arrived in
Australia, mainly from Dalmatia. The 1933 Census listed 2830 Yugoslavia-born in Australia.
Immediately after the Second World War, the Australian Yugoslavia-born population quadrupled
from 5870 in 1947 to 22 860 in 1954. Many migrated under the Displaced Persons Scheme and a
significant number of those were Croatian speakers. The migration of displaced persons peaked in
1958. However, unlike other displaced persons groups, the Yugoslavia-born (including Croatians)
continued to increase in numbers through the next two decades.
In the 1960s, the Government of Yugoslavia opened its borders to allow citizens to seek employment
abroad. Between 1961 and 1976 almost 100 000 Yugoslavia-born people took advantage of this
opportunity and migrated to Australia. Many of these settlers were Croatians. The Yugoslavia-born
population reached 129 620 by the 1971 Census and 160 480 by the 1991 Census.
Almost 30 000 settlers from the republics of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia have
migrated to Australia since 1991 due to the conflicts there. Most of these new arrivals came under
Australia's Humanitarian programme. Many were Croatians.
There were 51 860 Croatia-born people in Australia at the 2001 Census, making up 1.3 per cent of the
overseas-born population.
The latest Census in 2006 recorded 51 000 Croatia-born people in Australia, a decrease of 1.7 per cent
from the 2001 Census. The median age of the Croatia-born in 2006 was 57.2 years compared with
46.8 years for all overseas-born and 37.1 years for the total Australian population. About 42.4 per cent
of Croatians born population in Australia were 45-64 years and 31.9 per cent were 65 and over.
Based on the 2006 Australian Census, there are 63,611 Croatian-speakers in Australia and Croatian is
the eleventh most widely spoken language other than English in Australia.
Religion
At the 2006 Census the major religious affiliations amongst Croatia-born were Catholic (39 300
persons), Eastern Orthodox (7010 persons) and No Religion (1720 persons).
Arrival
Compared to 67.9 per cent of the total overseas-born population, 81.9 per cent of the Croatia-born
people in Australia arrived in Australia prior to 1996, (Community Information Summary the Department of
Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC):http://www.immi.gov.au/media/publications/statistics/comm-summ/summary.htm).
The main demographic trend is the Croatian-born population in Australia is ageing, with the 2006
Australian Census indicating that 43% of the Croatian-born population are aged 60 years or older.
The Croatian-born population will dramatically decrease in the next decade. There are four
Croatian residential aged care facilities in Australia. The Croatian residential aged care facilities in
Australia include Cardinal Stepinac Village in Sydney, Adria Village in Canberra, Villa Dalmacia
Aged Care facility in Western Australia, and St Anna‘s Hostel (Croatian, Ukrainian and Belarusian
Aged Care) in Adelaide , (The future of the Croatian community and identity in Australia
Dr Ilija D. Šutalo).
Croatian clubs, associations and venues
The Croatian community has well-established clubs, sporting venues and Catholic parishes
throughout Australia. In recent years, several Croatian halls and soccer clubs have celebrated
their 50th anniversary (Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Geelong, Brisbane, Hobart, and Wodonga.
Croatian clubs and venues are more than just meeting places. They are venues where one can
enjoy Croatian food, language, culture, music, and sports. These venues are also community
assets, with the community having spent considerable time and money building Croatian halls.
Currently, the Croatian community in Australia owns 43 halls and sporting venues,( Šutalo,
Croatians in Australia, pp. 267-268.2009) .
Women
Croatian women, they have been remarkably active in community life in many different aspects of
social and cultural life through their sociability and networks grounded in their associational life
During this war, Croatian women supervised large-scale aid projects and major fundraising events.
They came to clubs and community centres after long hours of work, bringing their sewing machines
with them. They organised the collection of non-perishable foodstuffs for the victims of the war and
the refugees. They purchased medicines and other necessities of life. They supported and continue to
support orphans, ( Dr Ilija D. Šutalo).
Location and Geography
Historical references to Croats in the Holy Roman Empire date back to the ninth century.
Croatia is a democratic republic with a parliamentary government based on a constitution
established in 1990.
Croatia was one of the six republics of the former Yugoslavia. It shares borders with Italy,
Slovenia, and Hungary to the north and with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia) and
Bosnia-Herzegovina to the east and south. Croats think of themselves as more closely linked
with Austria than with the other territories and cultures of the former Yugoslavia. They do
not refer to themselves as a Balkan country but as a European one.
The Balkans (often referred to as the Balkan Peninsula,) is a geopolitical and cultural region of
south eastern Europe. The region takes its name from the Balkan Mountains, which run through the
centre of Bulgaria into eastern Serbia. "Balkan" comes from a Turkish word meaning "a chain of
wooded mountains". Prior to 1991 the whole of Yugoslavia was considered to be part of the Balkans.
The term Balkans is generally used to describe areas that remained under Turkish rule after 1699.
After the split of Yugoslavia beginning in June 1991, the term 'Balkans' again received a negative
connotation .Over the last decade, in the wake of the former Yugoslav split, many Slovenians and
Croatians, as well as Serbs have attempted to reject their label as 'Balkan nations,
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balkans).
The region along the Adriatic coast has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot,
dry summers. The inland region has a continental climate with very cold winters, hot, humid
summers, and spring and autumn seasons that are often rainy. Seventy precents of the land is
farmland. The capital is Zagreb and it is the largest city, and historically the political,
commercial, and intellectual centre,
http://www.everyculture.com/Cr-Ga/Croatia.html#ixzz1MCHuQTTj).
Demography
The population of the Croatian was approximately 5 million in 2000. Croats make up 78
precent of the population and are the dominant ethnic group. Serbs account for 12 precent,
and the remaining 10 precents includes Bosnians, Hungarians, and Slovenes as well as a very
small number of Jews and Kosova Albanians. The religious make-up of the nation reflects
this ethnic breakdown. Roman Catholics constitute 77 precent of the population; Serbian
Orthodox, 11 precents; and Muslims, 1 precent.
Linguistic Affiliation
The Croatian language has three major dialects, identified by three different words for
"what"—sto, kaj, and ca. From 1945 to 1991, the official language was Serbo-Croatian. Even
under socialism, Croats often referred to their language as Croato- Serbian (instead of SerboCroatian) or as Croatian. Croatian and Serbian variants of the language were always
recognized as different dialects, and had different alphabets. Since independence, Croatian
and Serbian have been declared separate languages.
Croatians are protective of the their Croatian language from foreign influences as the
language was under constant change and threats imposed by previous rulers (i.e. Austrian
German, Hungarian, Italian and Turkish words were changed and altered to "Slavic"
looking/sounding ones).
Symbolism
Religion is probably the most powerful symbol of national identity today. Most Croats
consider themselves Roman Catholic whether they practice their religion or not. Language
and history are also important symbols of identity.
The most important national symbol is the flag, which has three bands of colour: red on top,
white in the middle, and blue on the bottom. This flag was first used in 1848 under AustroHungarian rule. Under socialism, a red star was added in the centre. The present-day flag has
a coat of arms in the centre that includes a symbol of each of the five parts of the country on
top of a red and white chessboard shield. The chessboard dates to the Middle Ages but was
also used by Croatian fascists (Ustasha) during World War II. Serbs saw the resurrection of
this symbol as provocation. Croats were ruled by another political body, but there were
movements to establish national recognition or independence.
In 1102, the Croats came under Hungarian rule. Since the twelfth century, Croatia has been
largely under the domination of others. The Ottoman Empire took a portion of the country for
approximately 100 years, after the mid-sixteenth century. Croatia then asked the Austrian
Hapsburgs for help against the Turks.
Croatia remained under Hapsburg rule until the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries,
when Napoleon conquered Croatia in 1809. The so-called Illyrian Empire lasted until the fall
of Napoleon, and Croatia returned to Austro-Hungarian rule. In 1840 a Croatian National
Party was formed.
The flag of the Republic of Croatia
Flag of Croatia iStockphoto/Ufuk Zivana
The flag of the Republic of Croatia
The flag consists of three bands of colour: red, white and blue, with the Croatian Coat of
arms in the centre. The colours are laid horizontally in the order red (top), white (middle) and
blue (bottom).Each colour fills one third of the width of the flag. The Croatian Coat of arms
is placed in the centre of the flag, at the point where the diagonals cross.
The Coat of arms of the Republic of Croatia
The Coat of arms of the Republic of Croatia is a historical Croatian coat of arms in the shape of a
shield. The coat of arms of Croatia consists of one main shield and five smaller shields which form a
crown over the main shield. The main coat of arms is a checkerboard (chequy) that consists of 13 red
and 12 silver (white) fields. It's commonly known as šahovnica ("chessboard", from šah, "chess" in
Croatian) or grb (literally coat of arms). The five smaller shields represent five different historical
regions within Croatia, (Wikipedia).
From left to right:
The oldest known Croatian Coat of arms has a yellow (golden) six pointed star and a white
(silver) moon on a blue shield.
The Coat of arms of the Dubrovnik Republic consists of two red beams on a navy blue
shield.
The Dalmatian Coat of arms consists of three yellow (golden) crowned leopard heads on a
blue shield.
The Istrian Coat of arms consists of a yellow (golden) goat facing left with red hoofs and
horns, on a navy blue shield.
The Slavonian Coat of arms consists of two horizontal white (silver) beams on a blue shield
and a red field between the beams with a marten in motion facing left. There is a yellow
(golden) six pointed star in the upper blue field.
A short history of the Croatian national anthem
Croats are extremely proud of their heritage and culture .They call their country "Our
Beautiful Homeland" ("Lijepa naša"), which is also the title of the national anthem.
The sense of nationalism comes both from their long and rich culture as well as a legacy of
foreign invasion and control.
The song "Our Beautiful Homeland" was written in the late 40s of the 19th century.
The National anthem of the Republic of Croatia is "Our Beautiful Homeland".
Our Beautiful Homeland
Our beautiful homeland,
O so fearless and gracious.
Our fathers' ancient glory,
May you be blessed forever.
Dear, you are our only glory,
Dear, you are our only one,
Dear, we love your plains,
Dear, we love your mountains.
Sava, Drava, keep on flowing,
Danube, do not lose your vigour,
Deep blue sea, tell the world,
That a Croat loves his homeland.
Whilst his fields are kissed by sunshine,
Whilst his oaks are whipped by wild winds,
Whilst his dear ones go to heaven,
Whilst his live heart beats.
Food in Daily Life
The main meal of the day is a late lunch. In the north and inland, the majority of the foods
have an Austrian or Hungarian flavour. A typical lunch includes chicken or beef soup,
cooked meat (often pork), potatoes, and bread. Greens with vinegar and oil are served in the
spring and summer, and pickled vegetables in the winter. Along the coast, a meal usually
includes fish and pasta, risotto, or polenta. Lamb is common in the Dalmatian highland
region. Breakfast is simple, usually consisting of strong coffee and bread with jam. The
traditional dinner typically consists of leftovers from lunch, cold meats, and cheese with
bread.
Food Customs at Ceremonial Occasions
For holidays or special occasions, there are larger quantities of food, particularly meat. Roast
pork with the skin ( pecenka ) is popular in Zagreb and Slavonia. Special cakes are also
prepared. Fried cheese, octopus salad, spicy grilled meats, and dishes made with phyllo
reflect different cultural influences. Whenever people get together, they usually drink
together and large quantities of alcohol are part of any celebration. In Slavonia, this is usually
a plum brandy; in Zagreb and on the coast, grape or herb brandies are popular. Strong
Turkish-style coffee and espresso are important symbols of hospitality. Men usually are
offered an alcoholic drink.
Family, Marriage, and Kinship
A Family Orientated People
The family is still the basis of the social structure. The extended family is the norm and
relatives remain quite close with both the mother and the father‘s sides. The family provides
its members with a social network and assistance in times of need. While the nuclear family
is becoming increasingly popular still Croatians prefer to look after their elderly parents
rather than send them to a nursing home. Weekends are considered family time.
Marriage
Couples arrange their own marriages. Young people usually meet in school, through friends,
or at work. In the past, three-generation households were the norm. A married couple usually
lived with the husband's parents. There is still a cultural preference for extended families, but
young people tend to want privacy. Young married couples usually live with one set of
parents or a grandparent because of a shortage of housing.
Role of the Family in Caring for the Elderly
There is a preference for keeping elderly at home among Croats. The elderly person generally
prefers to stay at home rather than to be admitted into the Age Care Facility. It is expected
that family will care for their parents and relatives at home for as long as possible. Extended
family ties are especially strong. The elderly are valued and highly respected.
The elderly do not voluntarily accept being admitted into residential care. Generally,
admitting to residential care is considered as the last resort. However those Croatians who
lived in Australia for a long time have come to accept these services more gladly than new
arrivals.
Dying and Burial Rituals
Traditionally a twenty-four hour vigil is held at the bedside of the dying person. The priest is
generally invited to pray with the relatives and anoint the dying person.
The deceased is bathed and dressed in clothes selected by the family. The rosary is recited in
the church or funeral parlour, depending on where the body of the deceased is located. Mass
is held prior to the burial and prayers are said at the gravesite. Following the funeral, friends
and family are invited to the family home of the deceased for light refreshments. Mourners
wear black clothes for forty days, but in some cases for a year or for life. Many Croatians that
were born overseas wish to be buried in their homeland. Visits to cemeteries are very
important to older people especially on the ‗Day of the Deceased‘, when a bunch of
chrysanthemums are usually taken to the graves, (Umbrella Multicultural Community Care
Services Inc.)
Communication Style
Greeting “Dobar dan”, "Bok"
People use formal language for greetings and good-byes. Failure to greet someone in a
context that requires a greeting considered as a serious breaches of etiquette. People who are
more familiar with each other greet each other more informally and usually kiss on both
cheeks. Men and women kiss, women and women kiss, and men kiss other men who are
family members or very close associates. Young people are expected to offer the first
greeting to older people, and women to men.
1. Most European languages have a formal and informal way of saying "you." In the
Croatian language, the two ways of saying "you" are "ti" (informal) and "Vi"
(formal). When addressing older people, always use the formal "Vi." To play it safe,
use "Vi" always until you are given permission to use "ti" with someone. This shows
your respect for the person.
2. Do not use someone's first name, unless they are a friend or relative. It is considered
rude to use someone's first name.
3. Use "molim‖ , Molim is crucial to sounding polite in the Croatian language--it means
"please," but can also be used as a response when someone thanks you.
4. Also use "molim" if you didn't understand a word and need the person to explain. In
this case, "molim" is a polite way of saying "What's that?" If you say, "Sta?" (What?)
It is considered extremely rude.
5. Greetings are always used regardless of familiarity and are a great show of politeness.
The greetings are as follows: Dobro jutro (Good morning), Dobar dan (Good day)-use this most of the day, Dobro vece (Good evening), Dovidenja (Goodbye), and
Zdravo--most commonly used informal greeting, can be used when coming and
leaving, (eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4451270_be-polite-serbiancroatian-bosnian.html#ixzz1NF0QgLNA).
Men greeting men usually with a firm handshake and this is the norm in the first meeting and
in a formal or business situation.
Women also are greeting women with a handshake on first meeting and in formal or business
situations. Light kisses (or "air-kisses" where you just touch cheeks and kiss the air) on both
cheeks are the norm for greeting friends.
Greetings between Men and Women – A handshake is common on first meeting and in
formal or business situations. Hugs are common between good friends and family.
The term "Bok" usually is used in Zagreb as a verbal greeting. This is used for hello and
goodbye, same for men to women, women to women etc. Hello in Croatian is "Dobar dan".
An arm‘s length of personal space is common when you just meet.
People generally don't touch each other when speaking, especially at first meetings.
Strangers stare openly at one another. Formality is maintained in language and behaviour
when people do not know each other well. Strangers nod their heads in passing
Customs and Etiquette in Croatia
Direct and straight forward talk is appreciated in Croatia, however there is also an emphasis
on being diplomatic and choosing your words carefully in order to avoid causing upset.
Often, the level of the relationship will determine how direct someone is or can be.
Diplomacy is usually the key to successful relationship. Croatians tend be straight forward if
someone doesn't like you or disagrees with something that has been said, you can usually tell.
It is best to avoid talking about the war, economic status, and politics until a stronger
relationship has been established.
Direct eye contact is very important and is expected and appreciated. Avoiding eye contact is
regarded as a signal that you do not care for a person.
Making eye contact with eyes wide open can often signify that a person does not agree with
the point even if they don‘t say anything.
It is common to hear people speaking in loudly and becoming animated during conversations.
This usually does not signify anger; people just tend to be expressive.
Soft-spoken people may be seen as lacking in confidence and open to being taken advantage
off. They also may be viewed with suspicion.
Humour is appreciated and used widely used in communicating. Many people will use a
humour to make light of difficult situations or about someone‘s personal flaws.
Taboos
Raising the thumb, index, and middle finger at once is a Serbian gesture and is connected to
Serbian nationalism. Avoid it at all costs, especially if ordering or asking for three of
something. Use the ring, index, and middle fingers instead.
Avoid asking strangers about the war. Avoid making comparisons between Serbians &
Croats and sometimes between Bosnians and Croats,
(http://www.culturecrossing.net/basics_business_student_details.php?Id=7&CID=52)
Religious Beliefs
Religion is extremely important to people in Croatia and majority of people identify themselves with
the Catholic religion and are extremely proud of this identify. For many, especially the older
generation, life revolves around the church and its activities.
Croatians especially worship the Virgin Mary, or as they often refer to her ‗Our Lady‘. There
are numerous shrines in her honour throughout the areas where Croatians live, but most
famous is Marija Bistrica. This church is to the Croats what Lourdes is to the French or
Fatima to Portuguese or Loretto to the Italians.
Another big event in honour of Virgin Mary is ‗Sinjska Alka‘ a competition with horse riders
throwing spears, aiming to pierce a stationary ring, while riding in a full gallop. After the
event a procession through the town that celebrates ‗Our Lady‘ is held, (Umbrella
Multicultural Community Care Services Inc.)
When Croatia was part of Yugoslavia, under Communist rule, Tito forbidden the overt
practice of religion and related religious ceremonies amongst all religious groups. In cases
were certain religious practices were actually allowed in Croatia, these practices were tightly
controlled by the secret police. Under Communist rule The Church had difficult relations
with the authorities, constantly remaining loyal to Rome. Between 1945 and 1952, many
priests were shot or imprisoned. After communism was defeated, the church slowly started to
re-create its once prominent role in people‘s lives. Croatians are especially devoted to the
Blessed Virgin (called "Gospa"). There are sanctuaries throughout the country built in her
honour, (http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/croatia.html
When Croatia finally gained independence in 1991, its people were quick to revive and
restore practice of its overt religious identity – such as the celebration of religious
ceremonies. The Pope has visited Croatia many times,
(http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/articles/article/Croatia/Religion-in-Croatia/470).
For many people, Catholicism is a symbol of nationality even though they may not attend
mass or participate in other religious activities or ceremonies. Most young people are
baptized, and most marriages are conducted in a church. Other religions include Eastern or
Serbian Orthodox, Islam, Judaism, and Protestantism.
Catholic priests and nuns are the most visible religious practitioners in Croatia. The Catholic
Church plays a large role in Croatian society. All Saints' Day (Day of the Dead) is the only
Catholic holiday that was celebrated by most of the ethnic groups in the former Yugoslavia. It
is still a very important observance in Croatia. Families wash and prepare graves, and
decorate them with candles, flowers and photographs. People often make several trips to
graveyards during the days just before and after All Saints' Day.
A 2001 survey assessed the religious makeup of Croatia as follow:
90% Roman Catholic,
4% Christian,
0.5% Christian Other,
1.5% Muslim
Other (including no religion)4%.
Sretan Bozic Merry Christmas
Many Croatian holidays are of religious character. However, the Croats also celebrate their traditional
culture through local and national festivals. For instance, almost every Croatian town holds its own
carnival annually. The carnivals feature local songs, crafts and dances featuring traditional folk
costumes. Various regions of Croatia have their own Christmas traditions so that there are
differences in the words of the carols, stories, decorations, and Christmas food.
Since the ninth century, Christianity has been the dominant religion in the country. Like most
Western nations, Christmas is celebrated here on 25th December but the preparations for the
festival begin since the beginning of the Advent. Women of the house traditionally start
baking cookies and cakes from this time. On St. Lucy's Day (December 13) the mother or
female head of every individual family plants wheat seeds in a round dish or plate of shallow
water on this day. Normally these germinate by Christmas Eve (December 24th) growing
about 8 inches tall, and that is when these are tied together with "trobojnica" (ribbons) of red,
blue and white colour, colours of the Croatian flag. On January 6th a ceremonial dinner is
kept for the 3 Kings. The people in this country consider that the braking of bread as sacred.
They consider this as the symbol of Eucharist.
http://travel.mapsofworld.com/croatia/christmas-in-croatia.html
Celebration of Christmas in Croatia dates back to the ninth century. Namely, it was then that
the Croats accepted Christianity. However, we must mention that the public observance of
the most joyous holiday of all Christians in Croatia was only allowed after the establishment
of the free Croatian state. What does this mean? Celebration of Christmas as a religious
holiday was prohibited in the former communist Yugoslav Republic, but no one could
prevent you to celebrate Christmas in the privacy of your homes.
Planting Christmas wheat on the Feast of St. Lucy is a widespread custom throughout
Croatia. It is usually thought that the harvest of the next year can be foreseen judging by the
growth of this wheat up to Christmas Day. By Christmas Eve the sprouted grains are around
8 inches tall and are tied in a red, white and blue ribbon which represents the Croatian
national flag. Since it is St. Lucy who brings light, the custom is to put a candle in the wheat
and to light it on Christmas Day.
Straw, symbolic of Christ's birth in a stable, plays a significant role in the traditions in some
regions. On Christmas Eve, straw is scattered on the floor and placed under the tablecloth for
the Christmas Eve meal.
Christmas gifts do not play in important role in Croat traditions. In this country of nearly five
million, 87% are Catholic and Christmas is regarded as a holy day more than a time for an
exchange of gifts.
Prior to Christmas, St. Nicholas appears with a few gifts in some regions on his feast day
(Dec. 6) while in other regions Saint Lucy distributes gifts to well-behaved children on her
feast day (Dec. 13). Small gifts that may arrive on Christmas Eve are said to come from the
Christ Child., http://christmas-world.freeservers.com/croatia.html
―Sretan Bozic‖ in Croatian language means Merry Christmas.
Christmas is known as Bozic in this country.
Croats do not eat meat on Christmas Eve. They eat fish instead. Traditionally on the Dalmatian coast,
this meal is usually dried salted cod. For Christmas dinner, the main course may be roast pig, turkey
or any other meat, depending on the region of Croatia. However, the essential meal that is a part of the
long Christmas tradition on these territories is fresh Christmas Eve Bread, or Badnji Kruh, made with
honey, nuts and dried fruit. The Christmas Braid is also a kind of Christmas bread. The dough, made
with nutmeg, raisins and almonds, is braided into a wreath and glazed. It is left on the table until the
Epiphany (January 6th), when it is cut and eaten.
Easter
The Easter observances begin on Palm Sunday and continue throughout Holy Week.
One of the oldest Easter traditions is definitely coloring, that is decorating Easter eggs, which
are in Croatia called 'pisanice'. People decorate eggs in several different ways. Coloring and
decorating Easter eggs, called "pisanice", is among the oldest traditions. Some people use hot
liquid wax and they draw different shapes on eggs with the help of pencil - like instrument.
After coloring, the wax is removed, revealing the splendid decorations. In the past, when
there was no artificial color, eggs were colored by being boiled in water with onions, walnuts,
roots and herbs. In order to get their shine, they were polished with oil before being placed in
the basket. There is one more custom related to Easter eggs - the egg fight. One person
chooses an egg from the basket and hits it against his or her adversary's egg. The winner is
the person whose egg remains intact throughout the "fight".
Sweet bread (sirnica) is another Easter tradition in Croatia. This bread contains eggs and
sugar; rosewater or orange peel is also added for a sweet smell. Often people dip this sweet
bread into a sweet wine called ―prosec‖ to make it taste better.
Speaking of wine, drinking of this potion of Gods also belongs to the part of Easter tradition
in Croatia. This custom originated in ancient times and it is still followed nowadays. People
believe that wine transforms itself into blood in the body and makes people stronger and
healthier. It is therefore recommendable to drink it as much as possible for Easter. There is
plenty of wine served on Easter and people usually drink it without water. Documents, from
the island of Brač, show that housewives used to prepare food that makes people thirsty so
that they could drink as much wine as possible.
Easter egg in Zagreb's Main Square
Easter Egg in Zagreb's Main Square
Kerry Kubilius, licensed to About.com
This Easter egg in Zagreb's main Jan Belacic Square shows sights of Zagreb surrounded by red hearts,
which are a symbol of the city.
Easter egg in Front of Zagreb's St. Mark's Church ------------Kerry Kubilius, licensed to About.com
This giant Easter egg in front of St. Mark's Church in Zagreb stands in the middle of the
square. The egg depicts the church with the symbol of Zagreb picked out in tiles upon its
roof. The egg was painted by artists in the local "naive" style.
Easter Eggs in a Zagreb Shop Window Kerry Kubilius, licensed to About.com
Zagreb's
souvenir shops sell Easter eggs painted with floral designs and the city's name.
Necktie on Croatian Statue
iStockphoto/Jelena Popiæ
Croatia takes credit for inventing the necktie. Supposedly, the French were intrigued by
Croats' practice of tying pieces of fabric around their necks and developed a fashion out of
their inspiration during the 1700s. This statue of the writer Marko Maruliæ celebrates the
invention of the necktie by Croatia.
This doll is dressed in traditional Croatian dress. Note the headscarf and the embroidered skirt.
Croatian Traditional Shoes
iStockphoto/Jerko Grubisic
These shoes accompany the Croatian traditional costume. For folk dancing, more practical dancing shoes may be worn.
Ten Most Useful Croatian Phrases
It's simple and basic. You'll make a good impression if you memorize these 10 phrases in
Croatian. Show them you care, (http://www.croatiatraveller.com/Language/TopTen.htm).
English
Hello
Goodbye
Good morning
Good day
Good evening
Good night
Yes
No
Please
Croatian
Zdravo/bog
Do viđenja
Dobro jutro
Dobar dan
Dobra večer
Laku noć
Da
Ne
Molim
Pronunciation
zdra-vaw/bawg
Daw-vee-je-nya
Daw-braw yoo-traw
Daw-bar dan
Daw-bra ve-cher
La-koo nawch
Dah
ne
Maw-leem
Thank you
Hvala
Hva-la
A Few Words about Croatian Pronunciation
Croatian words are pronounced exactly how they are spelt. This may not be such great advice
to those who are having trouble reading Croatian but it is just a reminder that all letters and
syllables in words are pronounced and there are no silent letters (unlike in English!).
As a general rule of thumb, Croatian vowels are short.
There is no q, w, x or y in the Croatian alphabet.
Pronunciation of Letters
Letter
Pronunciation
c
like ts in lets
č (hard)
like ch in church
ć (soft)
like ch in cheese
dž
similar to J in June
đ
like j in jam
g
like g in game
h
like h in ham
j
like y in yacht
lj
like l in lure
nj
like Spanish ñ
r
trilled
š
like sh in sheep
ž
like s in measure
a
like a in sofa
e
like e in met
i
like ee in feet
o
like o in dog
u
like oo in boot
Resources:
http://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/croatia/croatia_brief.html
www.nswtacs.org.au
http://www.immi.gov.au/media/publications/statistics/comm-summ/summary.htm
The future of the Croatian community and identity in Australia
Dr Ilija D. Šutalo
Culture of Croatia - traditional, history, people, clothing, traditions, women, beliefs, food,
customs http://www.everyculture.com/Cr-Ga/Croatia.html#ixzz1MCHuQTTj
http://www.ehow.com/how_4451270_be-polite-serbian-croatianbosnian.html#ixzz1NF0QgLNA
http://www.culturecrossing.net/basics_business_student_details.php?Id=7&CID=52)
Umbrella Multicultural Community Care Services Inc.
http://travel.mapsofworld.com/croatia/christmas-in-croatia.html
http://christmas-world.freeservers.com/croatia.html
Croatian Cultural Profile
Published June 2011
3 General Bridges Crescent Daceyville NSW 2032
Email : info @sydneymcs.org.au
Website: www.sydneymcs.org.au