The oldest known tie was found in the mausoleum of Chinese
Emperor Shih Huang Ti (259-210BC). Ties were first worn in
Europe by Croatian soldiers in the 17th century. Thailand,
appropriately enough, unveiled the world's longest tie on May
15, 1995. It was 326ft long and 20ft wide, and had been made to
honour King Bhumibol's 50 years on the throne of Thailand. That
record was beaten by a tie exhibited in Croatia in 2003. It was
2,300ft long and 82ft wide. Displayed in the open, the tie was
defended by a 7ft model owl to stop seagulls using it as a
toilet. Wearing a tie is banned on the Texas holiday island of
South Padre.