Kravata, Croata or simply a Tie

Once upon a time (around 1600) there were mighty warriors. Many have called this brave army to aid them in their battles. They were somehow different than other warriors. They took their job seriously. They were professionals. They were, of course, Croatian Army. 

At the time, battles that were fought included huge amount of soldiers and large battle areas. You had to know who is your friend and who is your enemy so you do not slay your own of course. Since Croats took their Army seriously they had to do something to separate friends from foes and make their battles easier. That's how they came up with a simple solution. They will wear a piece of clothing or a scarf (if you will) and that is how they'll know who is with them and who needs to die. 

The French were the first ones to notice this lovely accessories on the necks of the Croats. French writer Francois Chaille in his book "La Grande Historie de la Cravate" wrote that around the year 1635 about 6 thousand soldiers and knights came to Paris to aid king Lui XIII. Many Croats came with that army. Many knights and soldiers abandoned the French king when they were no longer needed, but Croats chose to stay and serve the king. They had a traditional uniform and tied a scarf with different motives around their necks. The scarves were made of different materials. Common soldiers used rough materials and made their ties from old rags and the noble man that led them had their ties made of fine silk and cotton. The elegant style that Croatians pulled off was completely unknown in Europe and when the French king saw it he loved it. By the year 1650 a tie is accepted in France and it became a fashion amongst the French nobleman. It was considered a sign of culture and elegance. Soon it spread to England. Carol II. brought it to England and from there tie concurred the whole Europe. 

The French named it "croata" in honour of the people that invented it. Today a tie is used as a fashion addition world wide. If you need to look serious, you will need a suit and a tie. You are welcome world. From Croatia with love.