Three entries in the register of intangible cultural heritage of Slovenia
STA, 15 December 2021 – The Slovenian Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage has been supplemented with three new entries: the traditional building of the nativity scene, the traditional Slovenian holiday cake – potica, and the health profession and midwifery.
The nativity scene is a popular Christian tradition, depicting art objects representing the birth of Jesus, usually exhibited around Christmas in various forms, with figures representing characters from the story of the nativity scene.
Cribs have a long tradition in Slovenia, but they were revived mainly in the 1990s, according to the website of the Ministry of Culture.
In 1990, the first living nativity scene was staged in Postojna Cave, and a life-size nativity scene was built on Šmarna Gora near Ljubljana in 1991. The first documented nativity scene in Slovenia was erected in 1641 in a church in Gornji Grad.
The second addition, Slovene potica, is a traditional Slovene holiday cake made of rolled sourdough, paper-thin dough, filled with any of various fillings.
A typical potica is round with a hole in the middle, made with a filling of walnut or tarragon. Variants with cottage cheese, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, poppy seeds and even salted with cracklings or bacon are also available.
Potica is considered to be the most recognized pastry in Slovenia. It is believed to have originated as a ritual bread made in the country as early as the Middle Ages. Potica was first mentioned by the Slovene priest Primož Trubar in 1575.
See the recipe for potica from Cook Eat Slovenia
The third addition to the register, midwifery, covers specific knowledge and skills of childbirth assistance. Traditionally, midwifery has been an exclusively female activity, and midwives have a special status in the community.
When she became professional, a midwifery school was established in Ljubljana in 1753, and in 1789 the first maternity hospital in Slovenia was established. Today, a special midwifery course is also available at the Faculty of Medicine in Ljubljana.