Is Sicanje ever done in Croatia? I’m a Croatian American and have always wondered. (Random image for example)

7 comments

1. Done now/recently? No

   Done ever? Yes

   EDIT: Not everywhere though, worth to keep in mind.

2. Last case of “sicanje” was recorded in 1984. Croat Catholics from Bosnia and Herzegovina used to do it in order to keep their children safe from being kidnapped by the Ottomans, so nowadays it makes sense that it’s not being done anymore. There are people who tattoo these symbols but they do it at a professional tattoo shop rather than the traditional way.

3. No turks around for quite some time now, so probably no.

4. Nowdays ive only seen some urban alt girls having them. Dont know if youth of Central Bosnia still carrries it around (since its cool, so who knows)

5. It was done mostly in Bosnia and a variety in Albania, maybe today its done by people for aesthetic reasons but beffore it was rape/kidnaping prevention

6. nowadays hipster feminists do it, like OKO (https://www.instagram.com/3oko/)

7. A good friend of mine got a tattoo of these designs running down his spine. He drew the shapes himself inspired by ones like these.

   It’s metal af, as is he, but also a nice sign of love for our traditions and heritage.

   I don’t think I’ve ever seen them in person otherwise tho, but it is definitely a thing that is a thing.

Comments are closed.