| CROATIA - HOME OF THE TIE The word "croata" can be found in many languages as the root of words meaning "tie" or "cravat" (in English, German, French, Portuguese, Italian etc.). Croatia is the home of the tie, just as France is the home of high fashion, Brazil of coffee, Switzerland of cheese and watches, Portugal of porto… Learn about the history of ties throughout the centuries and get yourself an authentic Croatian tie. SYMBOL OF FIDELITY
The story of the tie first appeared among Croats several hundred years ago. According to legend, girlfriends and wives, when seeing off their boyfriends and husbands to many imposed and detested wars, used to give them kerchiefs to remind them of their girlfriends and wives and to give them strength and courage in difficult moments while far from home. Furthermore, it meant that they were in the thoughts and prayers of their girlfriends and wives. By wearing a kerchief, a man showed that he respected his chosen one and the fact that she had chosen him as well. This custom, in a symbolic way, meant fidelity to a woman and emphasized fidelity as a moral virtue. Many songs and stories bear witness to this tradition, including the fact that a tie has become an integral part of the national costumes worn by Croats living abroad (Croatian minorities in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria…)
CONQUEST
The rest of the world got to know the tie in the first half of the 17th century, during the Thirty Years' War, in which many Croatian soldiers took part. In light, fast horses, Croats developed an unusual way of fighting. Heavily armed soldiers of the time had great difficulties in defending themselves against attacks by Croatian soldiers. All of Europe soon started to talk about the feats of the Croatian cavalry. The French Emperor himself wanted to include Croatian cavaliers in his ranks. An elite military division, where Croats served, therefore, called "La royal Croate" was founded in Paris. However, the Croatian light cavalry impressed the sophisticated inhabitants of Paris, primarily the ladies, with their special accessory. It was a kerchief that Croats wore around their necks tied in a special way. In this ways, Croatian soldiers, the most beautiful army of the time, conquered Europe and later the world with their accessory that they called "podgutnica" or "podgutnjak". The rest of the world named it after their homeland - "cravat" (tie).
FURTHER HISTORY OF THE TIE
The tie, due to its originality, was accepted by Parisians as a symbol of progress. During the French Revolution, black ties were worn as a sign of protest against backward, i.e., obsolete ideas. The new fashion accessory soon became fashionable among aristocrats of the time, who wore it as a symbol of elegance and culture. In England, the latest thing in fashion was brought by Charles II upon his return from exile. Ten years later, the new fashion accessory conquered the whole of Europe, as well as the majority of colonies on the American continent. Since then, the tie as a fashion accessory is used all over the world, while it is a must at business meetings and celebrations.
AUTHENTIC SOUVENIR FROM CROATIA
Nowadays, ties with characteristic Croatian motifs, such as Glagolitic script or the Croatian wicker-work pattern that can be found on Croatian monuments from the beginning of the Middle Ages, are worn on all continents. Silk ties are among Croatia's best known souvenirs and are a symbol of the cultural development of the Croatian people. Therefore, for those looking for an authentic Croatian tie and souvenir, www.croata.hr is the right place. Buy Croata tie for yourself or for someone special as a reminder of your holiday in "the home of the tie". Choose among numerous styles that will remind you of Croatia's culture and heritage. Make sure to participate in the short course on 'how to tie a tie'! |
