Croatian checkerboard facts for kids
The Croatian checkerboard or chequy (in Croatian: šahovnica) is a very important national symbol of Croatia. It is the main part of the Croatian coat of arms. This coat of arms also has a crown on top with five smaller shields. The squares in the šahovnica are always red and white. They are arranged in a special pattern. Many people believe it is one of the oldest national symbols in Europe.
The Story Behind It
There is an old story about how the Croatian checkerboard came to be. This legend is probably from the 1800s. It tells of a Croatian king named Držislav. He was captured by people from the city of Venice.
To win his freedom, King Držislav played a game of chess. His opponent was the leader of Venice, called Doge Pietro II Orseolo. King Držislav won the chess match! Because he won, he became free. Some versions of the story say he also gained control over cities in a region called Dalmatia. After this, he decided to put the chessboard pattern on his coat of arms.
Gallery of Croatian Symbols
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The Croatian chequy on a church in Baška
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The coat of arms of Croatia, used in 1527 on the Cetingrad Charter.
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Coat of arms of the Kingdom of Croatia (1525-1868).
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Coat of arms of the Croatian Crown land (until 1868).
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Coat of arms of the Kingdom of Croatia-Slavonia (1868–1918).
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Coat of arms of Transleithania (1868-1915).
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Patriotic badge from 1914.
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Banovina of Croatia (1939–1943).
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Banovina of Croatia, larger version (1939–1943).
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Independent State of Croatia (1941–1945).
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Socialist Republic of Croatia (1947–1990).
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Early coat of arms of the Republic of Croatia (1990).
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Coat of arms of Croatia proper.
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Images for kids
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Fragment from the church of St. John of Nimfa.
See also
In Spanish: Patrón ajedrezado croata para niños
