Celebrate Polish National Flag Day (May 2, 2024)
On May 2, Poland bursts into a patriotic display of red and white, celebrating the Polish National Flag Day. This day, nestled between International Workers’ Day on May 1 and Constitution Day on May 3, is a symbol of unity and pride for Poles everywhere. While not officially a public holiday, it’s observed with the same reverence, marking a time to honor the resilience and spirit of the Polish people. This day is a tribute to the nation’s historical journey, a testament to its role as a key player in the European Union, and a day to galvanize the national spirit to meet future aspirations. The Polish Diaspora Day is likewise celebrated on this date, reflecting on the republic’s enduring legacy and looking forward to the promise of tomorrow.
History of Polish National Flag Day
In the heart of spring, Poland celebrates a trio of national holidays, with the vibrant Polish National Flag Day taking center stage on May 2. This day is steeped in historical significance, marking the moment in 1945 when the First Polish Army hoisted the national colors atop the Berlin Victory Column, symbolizing triumph over oppression. It’s a day that resonates deeply with the Polish people, commemorating their resilience against regimes that sought to suppress their national identity, particularly the communist rule that once forbade the display of their flag following May 1.
The red and white of the Polish flag, mirroring the hues of the national coat of arms, are not just colors but emblems of the nation’s valor and virtue. These colors now adorn the streets and hearts of Poland, as citizens from all walks of life don the national cockade, turning the day into a fashionable expression of patriotism. The evolution of this day into a national holiday, officially recognized on February 20, 2004, was a deliberate move by the Polish Parliament to ensure the continuity of national pride and reflection, especially as it aligns with Polish Diaspora Day. It’s a day that unites Poles in a collective remembrance of their storied past and a celebration of their sovereign spirit, as they honor the flag that has waved through the country’s most defining moments.
The Polish Flag: Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know
When did the Polish flag appear? What color is it actually? What is the proper way to display it? What should you do with it when a storm is coming? And who wrote poems about it? Worthy of its very own Polish National Flag Day, let us tell you everything you ever wanted to know about one of Poland’s main national symbols.
Table of Contents:
- Why is the Flag Red-and-White?
- The Early Days of the Polish Flag in Official Use
- Two Polish Flags
- Shades of Red
- Not Every Red-and-White Flag is a National Flag
- Handling the Flag
- Polish National Flag Day
- The Flag of Poland in Culture
Why is the Flag Red-and-White?
The national colors of Poland are linked to its heraldic symbol, which features a white eagle against a crimson backdrop. This eagle first graced coins during Bolesław the Brave’s rule. In the 13th-century work “Chronica Polonorum,” Wincenty Kadłubek recorded that in 1182, King Casimir II the Just fought alongside Galician princes beneath this emblem. Beata Wolszczyk of the Museum of Polish History notes that the eagle was depicted in white or a silvery hue. The choice of white and red for the coat of arms was deliberate, with white representing spiritual purity and nobility, and red symbolized fire and blood.
Wolszczyk further points out the rarity and expense of red textiles, as they required the use of the Polish cochineal, a small red insect, making such fabrics a luxury only the affluent could indulge in.
Therefore, red also became a marker of closeness to the royal court, wealth and power.
The white eagle set against red also present on heraldic flags. The emblem for the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth was a tricolor banner of red, white, and red, showcasing a grand coat of arms at its heart. This emblem was a composite, featuring not just the Polish white eagle but also the Pogoń, the emblem of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which is now used in Belarus, alongside its white-red-white flag.
The crowned eagle of Poland stands as a testament to the nation’s sovereignty and unity. After Poland regained independence in 1918, Jędrzej Moraczewski, leading the independent government, proposed adopting a crownless eagle as the national emblem. This suggestion, however, sparked outrage among citizens and the media. The eagle’s crown was removed once more during the era of the People’s Republic of Poland, reflecting the communist stance against displaying regal insignia.
The Early Days of the Polish Flag in Official Use
The red and white colors, emblematic of Poland, were first embraced during the celebration of the Constitution of 3 May 1791’s first anniversary in 1792. On this occasion, women donned white gowns adorned with red ribbons, while men sported white-and-red armbands. These colors later emerged as symbols of national identity during the November Uprising in 1831. However, it was only the military cockade’s usage that was officially decreed by the Kingdom of Poland’s Sejm, not the flag itself. Throughout the 19th century, these patriotic colors were also displayed abroad by Poles involved in the 1848 Revolutions (the Springtime of Nations), as well as foreigners who supported Poland in its fight for independence.
It wasn’t until 1919 that red and white were formally recognized as Poland’s national colors. The design of the Polish flag was legally defined in the legislation concerning the coats of arms and colors of the Polish Second Republic. The law specified the flag’s design as a rectangle divided into two horizontal bands, the top band white and the bottom red, with a prescribed aspect ratio of 5:8. These dimensions have been preserved to the present day, with the Constitution and the January 31, 1980 law on the coat of arms, national colors, national anthem, and state seals of the Republic of Poland now serving as the primary legal documents defining Poland’s national symbols.
Two Polish Flags
Many might find it unexpected, but the Polish flag actually comes in two versions. The standard variant is the red-and-white rectangle, a familiar sight on Poland’s streets during national celebrations. Additionally, there’s a special version featuring the crowned eagle – the national emblem. This variant was established in 1919, initially intended for use exclusively at Polish diplomatic posts overseas. Current regulations also permit this flag to be displayed at consulates, airports, and aboard commercial vessels.
Shades of Red
The colors of Poland’s flag have indeed seen subtle shifts over the centuries. Originally a deep crimson, the red evolved to amaranth post-January Uprising, reverted to crimson in 1921, and later transitioned to vermilion. It wasn’t until the late 20th century that the red darkened once more. The white, often perceived with a hint of silver, has also been subject to interpretation. The precise shades of the Polish flag have been a topic of discussion and even lament, as noted by writer and designer Marcin Wicha in his book “How I Stopped Loving Design”:
“I tried to verify the official colours of the Polish flag many times. The report of the Supreme Audit Office cites the relevant law:
‘The shades of white and red are defined by law using modern trichromatic coordinates as well as the allowed contrast between white and red. Compliance with this requirement can only be assessed under laboratory conditions.’
[…]
According to Wikipedia, and I am tempted to believe it, the CMYK parameters needed for red-and-white printing have not been defined either (which is a pity, since it would be easier than comparing the hue to a reference sample in a lab). It seems that the commission which was supposed to determine the CMYK composite values did start working on it, but never came to a conclusion.”
Trans. NM
Not Every Red-and-White Flag is a National Flag
The Polish flag, with its specific colors and proportions, must be properly displayed on a flagpole to be considered official. Common items like a red-and-white piece of cloth on a plastic stick, a hand-drawn bicolored rectangle on a paper, or a souvenir T-shirt share the national colors but do not qualify as flags. Authentic national flags should not bear any additional inscriptions or logos, such as those of sports teams or cities. While a piece of cloth in red and white with a sports logo is permissible if it deviates from the legal dimensions of the flag, it’s generally recommended to use national colors sparingly and in suitable contexts. The commercialization of the flag, particularly for profit, is often viewed as disrespectful.
Handling the Flag
The law mandates that the Polish flag be accorded due respect, which includes adherence to specific protocols when displayed in public. It should always be presented in pristine condition – clean and neatly pressed – and must never come into contact with the ground or water. During adverse weather conditions, such as rain or strong winds, it’s advisable to fold the flag respectfully and store it until the weather improves. It is illegal to publicly destroy or defile the national flag, with penalties ranging from fines to up to a year of imprisonment for such acts. If a flag is damaged, it should not be discarded carelessly; rather, it should be disposed of respectfully, such as by burning it privately or discreetly cutting it to separate the colors.
Polish National Flag Day
Polish National Flag Day, inaugurated in 2004, is a significant holiday observed on 2nd May. It’s strategically placed between International Workers’ Day and Constitution Day, celebrated on 3rd May. The selection of 2nd May is historically poignant, marking the day in 1945 when Polish soldiers, during the Battle of Berlin, hoisted the Polish flag atop the Reichstag and in Grosser Tiergarten park. Additionally, this date honors the Day of Poles Abroad. Annually, the nation commemorates this occasion by proudly displaying the red-and-white flags on residential and public buildings, distributing them to pedestrians, and hosting various events such as contests, cycling competitions, marathons, concerts, and educational quizzes for children, all celebrating this emblem of Polish heritage.
The Flag of Poland in Culture
At a time when the Poles were deprived of their state, the colours and symbols of their long-lost homeland emboldened the national spirit. The Polish flag inspired many artists and, of course, references to the flag and coat of arms are found in many literary works of the time.
Władysław Bełza’s “Polish Child’s Catechism,” composed in 1901, is a prime example of such patriotic literature, deeply ingrained in the Polish consciousness. Similarly, the Interwar period saw a resurgence of nationalistic fervor, with poets like Maria Pawlikowska-Jasnorzewska expressing their sentiments through works like “National Colours” (“Barwy Narodowe”) in 1935:
Blanched and bloodied,
Bloodstained and white, linen
Wound dressing, you are proclaimed The Banner,
You have staunched the appalling gore.
The wind unfurls this testament to carnage,
It elevates the heroic bandage,
This memento,
This debt
And this moral.
Trans. Barbara Bogoczek & Tony Howard
Konstanty Ildefons Gałczynski’s “Song of the Flag” (“Pieśń o Fladze”), written in 1944, is another poignant tribute to the Polish flag, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the nation amidst the trials of World War II. The poem speaks to the flags that witnessed the battles and remained on the fields of honor, embodying the virtues and valor of Poland.
[…]
One dark night the three of them met.
One gives heart to the others: – Don’t fret,
no, do not now droop so dejected.
We shall not be destroyed by hell’s fires,
we shall each other inspire.
No bomb nor gold ever shall hurt you
and always you’ll hold to your virtue.
And you will be never all-white,
and you will never be red,
white-and-red shall stay ever your colour,
like a tempestuous aurora,
red, like a wine-chalice red,
white, like a snowstorm wide-spread,
ever beloved and dearest,
this white and this red.
[…]
Trans. Marcel Weyland
Originally written in Russian, translated by Natalia Mamul, Nov 2021
Why We Celebrate Polish National Flag Day?
The Essence of Polish Spirit: The Polish National Flag Day is a tribute to the enduring spirit of Poland. The flag’s simple red and white bands are a symbol of the nation’s genesis, honoring the moment the white eagle of Poland alighted before its red counterpart. This day also commemorates the longing and struggle through the years of the Second World War and beyond, when displaying the flag was forbidden.
A Salute to Polish Heritage: Polish history is a tapestry of varied hues, from its early baptism, through periods of colonial expansion, to the trials of Hitler’s invasion and the Soviet regime. Yet, the prevailing theme is the solidarity of the Polish populace. The flag stands as a testament to their courage and resilience, which have been pivotal in Poland’s flourishing and its ascending role in the global arena.
A Holiday Celebration: Nestled amidst two national holidays, the Polish National Flag Day offers an ideal extended celebration eagerly anticipated by Poles. It heralds the commencement of the vibrant month of May, encapsulating a sense of national pride and cohesion throughout the nation.
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