Flag of Poland

The Polish flag is the official state symbol of the Republic of Poland. It consists of two horizontal stripes of equal width: white (at the top) and red (at the bottom). Simple and elegant, the flag reflects the long history of Poland, its struggle for independence and national identity.

History of the Polish flag

The Polish flag has deep historical roots, which are connected with the use of the colors white and red in the coats of arms of the Polish kingdoms and gentry.

The origin of the colors

• Thecolors white and red appeared in the Middle Ages. They come from the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Poland, which depicted a white eagle on a red field.
• In the 14th century, these colors became associated with Polish national identity.

Official approval of the flag

• In 1792, on the anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution on May 3, white and red were officially recognized as national colors for the first time.
• After the partitions of Poland (late eighteenth century), the flag became a symbol of the struggle to regain independence.
• In 1919, after the declaration of Polish independence, the white and red flag officially became the state symbol.
• In the 1980s, during the Solidarity movement, the flag was used as a symbol of the struggle for democratic rights.

Colors of the Polish flag

Meaning of the colors

The Polish flag has a symbolic meaning that is closely linked to historical events and national identity:

1. White:
   • Symbolizes purity, honesty and peace.
   • It represents the white eagle – the main symbol of Polish statehood.
2. Red:
   • It represents bravery, shed blood in the struggle for freedom, and love for the homeland.
   • It is associated with the red field of the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Poland.

Color codes

To ensure the accuracy of the flag’s reproduction, the colors in different systems are officially approved.

1. White:
   • RGB: (255, 255, 255)
   • HEX: #FFFFFF
   • CMYK: (0, 0, 0, 0)
2. Red:
   • RGB: (220, 20, 60)
   • HEX: #DC143C
   • CMYK: (0, 91, 73, 14)
   • Pantone: 186 C

Format and proportions

The Polish flag has a simple and recognizable design.

Flag proportions

The proportions of the flag are 5:8. This means that the height of the flag is five-eighths of its width.

The arrangement of the stripes

The flag consists of two horizontal stripes:

1. The upper stripe is white.
2. The lower stripe is red.

In the case of vertical arrangement, the white stripe should be on the left or at the top.

Polish flag with the coat of arms

In addition to the usual white and red flag, there is also a version with the Polish coat of arms. It is used in international missions and government agencies. The coat of arms is located in the center of the white stripe and depicts a white eagle with a crown on a red shield.

Interesting facts about the flag of Poland

1. Polish Flag Day is celebrated annually on May 2. This date symbolizes respect for the national colors and is part of the celebrations related to the Constitution on May 3.
2. The Polish flag has one of the simplest designs in the world, but its colors are deeply rooted in the nation’s history.
3. Poland is one of the few countries that officially use white and red as national colors, approved in legislation.

The Polish flag is an important symbol of independence, patriotism and pride of the Polish people. Its simplicity and deep meaning make it one of the most recognizable national emblems in the world.