Our Proud Heritage and Its Many Cultural and Scientific Influences

Not until recent times was Croatia able to step out from behind the political curtain and distinguish itself. That was its rebirth after gaining independence from the former Yugoslavia. But its cultural influence on society has spanned over many centuries, from subtle to prolific. The Croatian culture continues to touch and shape modern society throughout the world even today. For instance, if you're wearing a business tie at this moment you can rest assured that it's a fashion statement which originated from Croatia. Worn originally by Croatian soldiers, it had caught the fancy and the marketing savvy of the astute French fashion designers. The rest of the story is fashion history. Here in the U.S. there's a spotted canine that represents fire fighters throughout the country as their traditional mascot called the Dalmation dog. It was born and bred along the coastal area of Croatia, near the Adriatic Sea in Dalmatia. Also near the pleasant coastal waters and further inland, for those that enjoy imbibing in the pleasure of the grape- Zinfandel's vineyard roots came from Croatian soil too. Perhaps while enjoying a glass of Zinfandel relaxing in your easy chair at home you are listening to Croatia's minister of classical music culture, "Papa" Joseph Hayden. Or you can listen to his music in your car while traveling through Chicago and take notice of the majestic grandeur of artist Ivan Mestrovic's mounted warriors, erected in 1928 at the congress Plaza entrance to the park, the statues are known as "The Spearman and The Bowman".