Hrvatski
The thematic exhibition "Where there is smoke, there is fire - A story about fire" opened in the "Staro selo" Museum in Kumrovec on Saturday, October 18th
On Saturday, October 18th, the thematic exhibition "Where there is smoke, there is fire - A story about fire" by Tihana Kušenić opened in the "Staro selo" Museum in Kumrovec.
Through various thematic units, the exhibition explores the symbolic, practical and ritual dimension of fire - from everyday life and traditional crafts to religious meanings and customs. As a basic element of life, fire is shown as a source of warmth and light, but also as an important sign of protection, strength and togetherness.
Special attention is paid to the ways of using embers, ashes and coal, as well as the importance of fire in the crafts that shaped the Zagorje region - blacksmithing, pottery, pottery, charcoal, glassblowing and cooperage.
The exhibition also covers holiday and ritual practices related to fire, such as Easter and Midsummer bonfires, the lighting of logs on Christmas Eve, lights on the eve of holidays, the lighting of the Easter candle that is brought into the church and symbolically transmits the light of Christ among the faithful, as well as the veneration of patron saints. Special emphasis is placed on God's light and fire in the Church, its symbolism in the liturgy and biblical texts.
The program was hosted by Mateja Harapin, who, on behalf of the museum director Anita Paun Gadža, greeted everyone present and greeted in front of the "Staro selo" Museum Kumrovec. Danijela Lončar, representative of the Kumrovec Municipality, addressed the audience. The theme of the exhibition and the process of its creation were presented by senior curator and author of the exhibition Tihana Kušenić, and the exhibition was opened by Dragutin Ulama, Vice President of the OKKZŽ, who also emphasized the importance of fire, especially in traditional crafts and its use as an important source of energy, heat and an element without which many products would not come out of craft workshops. Ulama emphasized and thanked for the long-standing cooperation between the Museum and the Guild of Traditional Crafts.
The exhibition will remain open until February 25, 2026.