The knot of the largest cravat in the world was tied around the Pula Arena in Croatia. Read more about this story here.
Did you know that the cravat (or tie) originated from the Croats? Girlfriends and wives often had to see their young men off to war, so they gave their loved one a kerchief as a sign of their love. These kerchiefs were the predecessors of the modern tie! The world recognized the cravat in the first half of the 17th century during the Thirty Years War. When the legendary Croatian light cavalry arrived just outside Paris, the soldiers were wearing beautiful kerchiefs of silk and cotton tied on their chests.
These were the conquerers of the court of Louis XIV. The kerchief was worn "a la Croate" and this expression rapidly became the root of the new French word "cravate." The cravat continued to develop throughout history and was perfected thanks to contributions from other nations. The cravat is not only Croatian, but also world heritage. It has been said that even small nations can make a significant contribution to world culture. The Croatian example of the cravat confirms this!
The British historian Norman Davies, wrote in his book, Europe, a History: "At all events, people who deny the influence of smaller nations should remember that the Croats have the rest of us by the neck."
So, the next time you see someone sporting a tie you really like, ask him if he knows the history behind it. Better yet, run out and buy a lovely tie for the man in your life as a sign of your undying love and loyalty to him!
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