All countries have national symbols of pride. These symbols represent a country’s culture to the international community. They can vary from colors to foods to plants to animals to coats of arms and even patron saints.
Croatia has several national symbols that represent the country’s faith, nature, and culture. Let’s learn about Croatia’s national symbols along with their history and importance.
What are the national symbols of Croatia?
Most cities and villages in Croatia have their own patron saint, sometimes even more than one. But, did you know that Croatia as a country has a patron saint?
1.Sveti Josip (Saint Joseph) has been the protector of the Croatian homeland since 1687. He was named “patron saint” by Hrvatski sabor (Croatian parliament) with the encouragement of the Bishop of Zagreb Martin Borković.
Sveti Josip was proclaimed the patron saint of Hrvatsko kraljevstvo (Croatian kingdom) at a parliamentary session by unanimous decision. In 2008, a relief of Sveti Josip was placed at the entrance to Sabor. It was created by Croatian sculptor Šime Vulas to memorialize the proclamation.
2. National flower: Iris croatica (Hrvatska perunika)
Hrvatska perunika (Iris croatica) has been the national flower of Croatia since 2000. It was first promoted with this designation at the world flower exhibition Japan Flora 2000.
The Croatian iris is an endemic species that lives in light forests of hrast medunac (downy oak) and crni grab (hop-hornbeam) in continental Croatia.
Hrvatska perunika has a gentle brightly colored flower and tall pointed leaves. The plant is about 1 meter high.
It usually comes in different shades of blue, but it can also be white, purple, yellow, and red. The darker the color, the more intense the scent.
The name Iris Illyrica hints that since the time of the Illyrians, the iris has been an important flower, notes Župa. It was known as miomiris or mirodia (fragrance, spice), and recognized as a medicinal plant. The oldest preserved mention of the iris from the 4th century BC is found in the botanical encyclopedia Historia Plantarum by the Greek philosopher Theophrastus, who states that the iris thrives best in the areas inhabited by the Illyrians.
After the Slavs occupied Illyricum, they named the iris after the supreme deity, the god of thunder and lightning – Perun, which is likely the origin of its Croatian name Perunika.
As for the origin of the name iris (Greek and Latin for rainbow), it comes from the Greek goddess Iris, the messenger of the gods. The rainbow connects heaven and earth, and according to legend – where the rainbow touched the ground (and where Perun’s lightning did), an iris grew.
In Dubrovnik and its surroundings, the names for the iris include bogiša (bog = god), and according to the belief, it can protect against lightning. Planting it in the fields would ensure protection of the field from storms. According to an ancient custom, the Dominicans bless the Iris on April 29, when it traditionally starts to flower.
3. Hrvatski pleter or hrvatski troplet (Croatian interlace or wattle) is a 3-ribbon geometric ornament inherent in old Croatian culture.
The pleter can be found throughout the country as a decoration, but it is most predominantly displayed on churches and monasteries built between the 9th and 12th centuries.
Recognizable by its intertwined motifs, this pattern has adorned various artifacts, monuments, and manuscripts throughout Croatian history, symbolizing both artistic heritage and national identity.
Hrvatski pleter, often simply referred to as “pleter,” traces its origins to the early medieval period, particularly flourishing between the 9th and 12th centuries.
This period coincides with the formation of the early Croatian state and the adoption of Christianity. The interlace pattern was prominently featured in ecclesiastical art, including stone reliefs on church facades, altars, and liturgical objects.
The design likely evolved under the influence of various cultural interactions, particularly with the Carolingian Empire and Byzantine art, blending local traditions with broader European artistic trends.
The intricate, looping designs are reminiscent of Celtic and Nordic interlace patterns, yet they possess unique characteristics that make them distinctly Croatian.
The pleter is characterized by its repetitive, intertwined bands that create a continuous, often symmetrical, pattern. The most common forms include three-strand, four-strand, and multi-strand braids, meticulously woven into geometric shapes and stylized figures. These designs can range from simple, linear patterns to highly complex and dense configurations.
Symbolically, the pleter represents unity and eternity, with the continuous lines signifying an unbroken connection and the interweaving strands reflecting the interconnections of life and community.
Croatian interlace includes triquetra or trefoil knot and Solomon’s knot.
This symbolism is particularly poignant in the context of Croatian history, where the pleter is seen as a visual representation of the enduring spirit and resilience of the Croatian people.
Throughout the centuries, the pleter has been used in various mediums, from stone carvings to manuscripts and textiles.
One of the most famous examples of pleter art is the Baška tablet, a 12th-century stone inscription from the island of Krk, which is one of the oldest written documents in the Croatian language. The tablet features a combination of Glagolitic script and intricate interlace patterns, showcasing the early medieval use of pleter in both functional and decorative contexts. Baška tablet was discovered in 1851, was created in late 11th, early 12th century.
In modern times, the pleter continues to be a source of national pride and cultural identity. It appears in contemporary design, including jewelry, clothing, and official symbols, such as the Croatian coat of arms and military insignia.
As both a historical artifact and a living tradition, the pleter remains a testament to the rich and enduring legacy of Croatian art and culture.
4. Old Slavic letter: Glagolitic script (Glagoljica)
Glagoljica (Glagolitic script) is the oldest known Slavic alphabet. It was created in the middle of the 9th century and was used until the 19th century.
Old Slavic priests began stamping the first Glagolitic inscriptions in stone and on parchment as early as the 10th century, and unlike Cyrillic, which was modeled on the Greek alphabet, Glagolitic was and is specific to the Croatian people. The brothers Cyril and Methodius eagerly translated Christian texts into the new language of the Slavs, and with the help of dedicated monks, the script changed from the original round Glagolitic script to a square form in the 12th century. Although it is a completely independent invention of the brothers Cyril and Methodius, the vowels of the Glagolitic script are said to resemble those of the South Macedonian language, and each letter has its own name. This is why it is called the Glagolitic alphabet after the first two letters, i.e. the syllables of the Glagolitic alphabet (az and buki). The Glagolitic alphabet consists of 38 graphemes while today’s Latin alphabet has only 30. The letter includes the following 2 types:
obla glagoljica (rounded Glagolitic script)
uglata glagoljica (angular Glagolitic script).
Some of the most important inscriptions written in glagoljica are on the monument Bašćanska ploča from 1100, Vinodolski zakonik from 1288 (one of the oldest law texts written in Chakavian dialect), and Misal po zakonu rimskoga dvora from 1483 (the first printed Croatian book).
5. National animal: European pine marten (Kuna zlatica)
Kuna Zlatica (Marten)
Kuna zlatica (European pine marten) is the national animal of Croatia. It is a strictly protected and endangered animal known for its thick luxurious fur and long tail.
Croatian currency (the kuna), which is not in use as of January 2023, was named after this animal due to the important role of its fur in Croatian monetary history. Kuna fur was used as a means of payment for the tax called “kunovina.
6.Slavonian oak or Common oak
It is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 40 to 50 meters in height and reach 500 to 800 years of age. Certain oaks can live up to 1500 years. Its crown is broad, irregular, and very branched.
Slavonian oak is a hardwood, ideal for processing. It is used both in construction and interior design, and it is also a good firewood.
Wine barrels are commonly made of Slavonian oak for the purpose of aging and storing premium wines. The oak’s acorns can be fried and used as a coffee substitute.
How could you miss the title"6.lavonian oak or Common oak" after saying Slavonian later in the explanation?