As a tiny country situated in the very heart of Europe, Slovenia was part of several multinational empires, kingdoms and countries in the past. One of the proudest moments in Slovene history was the unfurling of the Slovenian flag from the summit of Mount Triglav upon the declaration of Slovenian independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. The following cultural and political symbols have always been an important part of our national identity, and they are also the legacy our forefathers, who never lived to see the day when Slovenia became an independent country.
Mount Triglav
The 2864m limestone giant called Triglav (the name means three-headed) is the highest Slovene peak. The early Slavs considered it sacred and believed the mountain to be the home of a three-headed deity who ruled the sky, the earth and the underworld. It was first conquered in 1778 by the Austrian mountaineer Sigmund Zois and his three Slovenian guides. Slovenes like to say that you're not really a Slovene until you've climbed Triglav and got ''spanked'' at the top.
The Linden Tree
In the old days, the linden tree was the focal point of many a settlement in Slovenia. Linden trees usually stood in the middle of the village, and social gatherings were held or important decisions were made by village or town elders at a table beneath it.
The Red Carnation
The red carnation is the national flower of Slovenia. A corsage made of the carnation, rosemary and greenery symbolizes love, fidelity and hope. In the past, the red carnation was depicted on various pieces of Slovenian home furniture, such as the cradle and linen box. Nowadays, you can notice this flower in the alpine areas of our country, where it adorns the window sills and balconies of village houses.
The National Anthem
Slovene national anthem is the seventh stanza of a famous Slovene poem called Zdravljica (A Toast). It was written by the Slovene national poet France Preseren in 1844. Zdravljica is a drinking song and a carmen figuratum because the shape of each stanza resembles a vine cup. The anthem promotes the idea of a free Slovenia.
The Hayrack
The Kozolec (hayrack) can be seen in Alpine or hilly areas of the land, where the ground is damp. Because of this, hay and wheat are hung from hayracks, allowing the wind to do the drying.
The Slovenian Coat of Arms
The Slovenian coat of arms is shield-shaped, with the white image of Mount Triglav in the centre. Beneath it are two wavy blue lines representing the Adriatic Sea and Slovene rivers. The coat of arms also features three six-pointed gold stars arranged in an inverted triangle. The stars are taken from the coat of arms of the Counts of Celje, who were the most important late medieval noble family on our territory.
The Slovenian Flag
The national flag of Slovenia is white, blue and red and bears the Slovenian coat of arms. A lot of Slovenes are unsatisfied with the current flag because it closely resembles the national flag of Slovakia.
Bled
Bled is Slovenia's most popular tourist destination and one of the most charming Alpine resorts in Europe. It is situated near Triglav National Park and is an excellent choice for a day trip: the resort is less than an hour's drive from Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana. Did you know that there's only one natural island in Slovenia? It is situated in the middle of Lake Bled.
Potica
The list of Slovenian symbols wouldn't be complete without the biggest Slovene culinary symbol - potica. Potica ,usually prepared at Christmas and Easter, is a nut roll made with sweet or savoury fillings. As such, It is probably one of the most calorific desserts ever invented, but it is also one of the tastiest nut rolls in the world! Is it difficult to prepare? Yes!
If you'd like to know more about Slovenia, pick up Steve Fallon's guidebooks to Slovenia (published by Lonely Planet).
Tanja Batista - Tanja Batista has a BA in English Language and Literature from the Faculty of Arts, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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