Croatian checkerboard facts for kids
The Croatian checkerboard or chequy (Croatian: šahovnica) is the national symbol of Croatia. It is the main shield of the Croatian coat of arms. On top of the main shield is the crown with five smaller shields. The squares in the šahovnica are always arranged the right way. They are colored red and white. It is considered to be one of the oldest national symbols in Europe.
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Origin
There is a legend, probably from the 19th century, which talks about how the Croatian king Držislav, captured by the Venetians, played a chess match. His opponent was Doge Pietro II Orseolo. He won and became free, and in some versions of the story he also got power over the Dalmatian cities. Then he put the chessboard in his coat of arms.
Gallery
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The coat of arms of Croatia, used in 1527 as part of a seal on the Cetingrad Charter.
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Patriotic badge from 1914
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Early coat of arms of the Republic of Croatia (1990).
Images for kids
See also
In Spanish: Patrón ajedrezado croata para niños