The flag of the Honorary Cravat Regiment is inspired by historical Croatian flags from the Thirty Years’ War (1618 – 1648), preserved as part of the collection of the Military Museum in Stockholm. These flags, the oldest surviving Croatian flags, date back to the 1630s and are considered war trophies from that period.

Historical Shape and Colors
The flags of Croatian cavalry regiments from the 17th century featured a distinctive swallowtail shape with a single upper fork — a recognizable feature retained in today’s flag of the Honorary Cravat Regiment. The base color of the flag is blood red, derived from the historical flags of the City of Zagreb, used since the 14th century.

Symbols and Design of the Flag
The flag is rich in historical and symbolic motifs:
– Obverse: The central element is the coat of arms of Zagreb topped with a royal crown, based on a 19th-century design. Above and below the coat of arms is the inscription “Honorary Company of the Cravat Regiment Zagreb.”
– Reverse: The back features an embroidered image of the Blessed Virgin Mary with the Child Jesus, inspired by the painting of Our Lady of the Stone Gate, the patroness of Zagreb. This motif dates to the 17th century and is a symbol commonly used by Catholic armies of the time.
The image of the Blessed Virgin Mary also holds deep symbolic meaning, referring to the historical event of 1731 when the painting miraculously remained untouched during a fire at the Stone Gate.

Motto and Details
The reverse side also bears the unit’s Latin motto: “Pro cruce venerabili et libertate aurea” (“For the venerable cross and golden freedom”), emphasizing the values the regiment represents. Additionally, the mark of the City of Zagreb (ZG) appears on the arm of the flag and is repeated across the field, signifying the city’s patronage. This flag is not only a symbol of history and tradition but also of Zagreb’s connection to Croatian military heritage and the universal values of freedom and faith.