Today is Polish Flag Day

Every year the importance of the Polish flag is celebrated on this date

Every year on 2^nd May the Polish celebrate their flag. The white and red colours derive from the coats of arms of what were once the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. The white symbolises the eagle which can be seen in today’s coat of arms of Poland, and the red – the Pursuer, depicting a knight galloping on horseback, which in turn is featured on the coat of arms of Lithuania.

History of the Polish flag

The colours were recognised back in 1792 – a year after the signature of the Polish constitution and accepted as representative for the Polish State by the Sejm of the Kingdom of Poland in 1831 during the November Uprising. The flag was confirmed by the Sejm a century ago (in August 1919), when the country regained its independence.

Flag Day was established in 2004. Usually, on this day, it is highly likely to see people wearing clothing in red-white colours, pinned flags or patriotic manifestations all around the country.

It is interesting to mention that alongside Flag Day, Poland celebrates the Day of Polish Diaspora and Poles Living Abroad on 2^nd May, established in 2002. It was declared by the Parliament in recognition of the efforts of Polish people living outside of the country who contribute to the its independence and growth. It is estimated that nowadays more than 20 million people with Polish origins leave abroad.

Finally, on the 3^rd May follows another national holiday in Poland, namely Constitution day.