Barjak · The entry flag
Croatian Wedding Flags: The Entry Flag Tradition
Waved at the family home, carried through the procession and raised at the reception door — for many families, the barjak is the heartbeat of the wedding.
What is the barjak?
The barjak is a decorated wedding flag that, in many Croatian communities, represents celebration, pride, family and Croatian heritage throughout the day.
Not every Croatian wedding includes a flag, and those that do may use it in different ways depending on the region and family.
The barjaktar
The flag bearer, or barjaktar, is traditionally a friend or family member. Who is chosen, and what the role involves, varies between communities. The flag may be waved at the family home, carried into the reception and kept close all night.
Choosing and decorating a flag
Families often choose a flag that reflects where they come from, and some pair it with a partner's heritage. Ribbons and rosemary are popular decorations, and in some Croatian wedding flag traditions apples are added as well.
A keepsake for life
Long after the wedding, many families keep their flag as an heirloom. VEZA flags are handmade in Croatia.