A white eagle with wings splayed, legs apart, head facing to the left with a golden crown, talons and beak adorning a red shield.
That is the Polish Eagle, the symbol of the Republic of Poland, and it’s the centrepiece of the Polish coat of arms and Polish crest.
A coat of arms of Poland is a visual design that depicts the symbolism of a company, country, family name or organization. The ancient Greeks and Romans were first to use unique designs on shields to identify different military units during battle.
Unlike western Europe, Polish heraldry (the art of designing coats of arms) wasn’t pioneered by knights and heads of state. It originated in local Slavic communities by mercenaries to show who they were currently working for. Birds also play an important role in Polish mythology.
Origins and Legends of the Polish Eagle
Legend recounts Lech, the forefather of Poland, embarking on a hunting expedition alongside his brothers, Czech and Rus.
Their paths diverged, mirroring today’s geographical divisions: Czech journeyed west, Rus ventured east, and Lech pursued the northern route.
During his quest, Lech stumbled upon a striking white eagle, its fierce demeanour evident as it shielded its young. The setting sun casts a radiant glow on the eagle’s wings, imbuing them with a golden hue.
Captivated by this sight, Lech established a settlement, christening it Gniezno, echoing the Polish term ‘gniazdo’, translating to ‘nest’. This outpost evolved into Poland’s inaugural capital, symbolising the nation’s genesis.
The white eagle’s indomitable spirit resonated with Lech, leading him to enshrine it as Poland’s emblematic symbol, an insignia that remains emblematic of Polish identity today.
Eagles in Global Heraldry and Symbolism
expanded to provide a more comprehensive overview of how the eagle is used in heraldry worldwide and what makes the Polish eagle unique.
For instance, Egypt’s coat of arms showcases the eagle, embodying qualities like strength, nobility, and bravery.
This reverence can be traced back to ancient times when Egyptians venerated the deity Horus, often depicted as a falcon or eagle.
Similarly, the Romans, recognising the eagle’s potent symbolism, incorporated its imagery in various facets of their empire.
Eagle Symbolism in Slavic Countries
Eagle symbolism is deeply entrenched in the heraldry of many Slavic and Central/Eastern European countries. This majestic bird, often depicted with sharp talons and a fierce gaze, embodies strength, freedom, and sovereignty.
The double-headed eagle on its coat of arms in Serbia reflects Byzantine influences and the nation’s Orthodox Christian heritage.
This dual imagery signifies secular and spiritual realms, a testament to the nation’s rich history.
Albania, though not Slavic, prominently features a black, double-headed eagle on a red field as its national emblem
This symbol traces its roots to the medieval Kastrioti family and has since become an emblem of national pride and unity.
Similarly, Hungary, a Central European nation, incorporates the Turul, a mythological bird of prey, often likened to an eagle or falcon, in its folklore and symbolism.
The Turul represents divine power and is believed to have guided the Magyars’ migration to present-day Hungary.
However, the Polish eagle stands distinct.
While many nations use the eagle to symbolise power, the Polish white eagle, set against a red backdrop, intertwines with the nation’s history and legend, serving as both a national emblem and a poignant reminder of Poland’s rich cultural tapestry.
Usage on Polish Money
During the reign of Bolesław I, a crowned eagle first started to appear on coins. At this time, eagles also appear on Roman currency.
During this period, trade routes between Rome and Poland opened up. Due to the rising popularity of Polish amber, the two states found themselves sharing the same animal on their different currencies.
The eagle on the złoty
The Polish 100 and 200 złoty notes both feature the national coat of arms but with distinct presentations. The 100 złoty note showcases the white eagle within a more intricate, ornate shield, reflecting the design from the interwar period.
In contrast, the 200 złoty note displays a simplified, modern rendition of the eagle, aligning with Poland’s contemporary emblem.
These variations not only differentiate the denominations but also chronicle the evolution of the national symbol over time, offering a subtle nod to different eras of Polish history.
The Polish Eagle in Historical Battles
Later, in the 12th century, the Polish eagle appeared on shields, ensigns and the seals of dukes and other nobility.
The Polish coat of arms was also flown high during the Battle of Grunwald in 1410 when Poland infamously fought the German Teutonic Knights.
This battle would be the bloodiest and most crucial battle in the history of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania – and the Polish White Eagle flew high throughout the affair.
Later, the Polish coat of arms would also fly into battle in 1683. Here, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth fought alongside the Holy Roman Empire to ward off the invading Byzantine Empire.
In this era, the Polish Hussars were prevalent in nearly all military conflicts. One look at the infamous Hussar armour and see elements of the Polish coat of arms trickling through.
In the 18th century, when the Kingdom of Poland was ‘partitioned’ (cut up and dealt out to its neighbours), the eagle took on even more meaning. It became the motivation for resistance and for standing up against oppression.
Coincidentally, the countries that had swallowed Poland up in that period (Germany, Russia, and Austria) all had black eagles as their national emblems.
The imperial eagle.
Poles didn’t take long to realize this and turn the situation into a metaphorical battle of dark vs light.
Between 1918 and 1939, the White Eagle was again at the forefront of national pride. The Nazi invasion in 1939 ensured that the same coat of arms stood for Polish values. Pride, strength, and sacrifice for the resistance and the Polish government in exile.
Symbolism of the Polish Eagle During World War II
During World War 2, the Polish flag and coat of arms symbolised Polish pride, determination, and sheer grit.
The flag of Poland was raised over Monte Cassino after the Allied victory over the Nazis in May 1944.
The Polish bird would also bolster pride during the Battle of Tobruk. Here, Poles and Australians fought alongside each other for the first time in history.
A Polish and Aussie soldier share a joke in Tobruk
Nowhere was Polish symbolism more important during World War 2 than the Warsaw Uprising. On the first day of the uprising, August 1, 1944, the Polish flag was raised on top of the city’s biggest skyscraper. The aim was to send a message to the Nazi occupiers.
As the Warsaw Uprising continued over 63 days, soldiers of the home army wore red and white armbands as they fought to liberate their city.
The Evolution of the Polish Eagle Under Communist Rule
Poland’s coat of arms and Eagle has gone through many changes. None more oppressive, though, than the change once communism took hold.
As a symbol of the country bowing to Soviet influence, it lost the golden crown that it had proudly worn for centuries.
The crownless eagle during communism.
Protests during the communist era and the activities of the Church saw heavy use of Polish symbols.
The logo of the Solidarność (Solidary) movement, responsible for starting the upheaval of communism, was infamously written in red and white.
Once communism fell in 1990, it didn’t take long for the Polish symbol of the eagle to regain its crown.
The White-Tailed Eagle: Poland’s National Bird
Poland’s national animal, the White-tailed eagle, Haliaeetus albicilla, is a close cousin to the infamous bald eagle.
With a wingspan of between 1.75 and 2.45 meters, it’s one of the biggest birds of prey out there. It feeds on fish, small mammals and other birds but gets most of its food through scavenging.
The Polish national emblem faced extinction in the late 70s and early 80s. At one point, less than 50 pairs were left in the wild, mostly in southern Poland, Germany, and Czechoslovakia.
In the late 80s, conservation and reintroduction schemes were implemented in Ireland and Scotland, the bird’s year-round habitat. Numbers grew steadily in Norway, Sweden, Poland and the Baltic states.
Ironically, the number of White Eagles in Poland grew alongside the country’s democratic prosperity. A fitting contrast – as the Eagle grows and thrives, as does its motherland.
The magical bird
When animals of a low population are protected and used to regenerate the population, inbreeding becomes a significant problem in conservation efforts. In the regeneration of the white-tailed eagle, this was of notable concern.
Studies of DNA in white-tailed eagles from Central Europe have shown that the recovering European population has large amounts of genetic diversity.
The recovery of this formerly endangered species is being hailed as one of the true success stories for nature conservation and preserving the evolutionary potential of the species.
The white-tailed eagle lives an average of 21 years, with the oldest known bird living to the ripe old age of 25.
The White-tailed eagle spoils the party of another beloved Polish bird, the crane.
Modern usage of the symbol
Nowadays, this eagle coat of arms can be found on everything – from underwear to Christmas baubles to car rental documentation and oven mitts. A Polish Eagle tattoo is not uncommon.
The Poles love their coat of arms, showing it off every opportunity they can.
Legal Protections Surrounding Polish Coat Of Arms and Eagle
Poland has some interesting laws around its symbols and coat of arms, too. The Eagle, the Polish coat of arms and other official insignia fall under a particular law, protecting it against ‘public profanity and insult’.
Using these symbols in public that may be ‘damaging or insulting’ may be considered a criminal offence.
Recently, the frontman of Polish metal band Behemoth, Adam ‘Nergal’ Darski, was formally charged after ‘insulting’ the coat of arms. He used it on promotional material for a national tour.
Current legislation about the laws around the coat of arms feels unclear at best. The act that protects the emblem contains errors, misinterpretations, and inconsistencies that make using the logo for artistic interpretation difficult and confusing.
Under the same law, the government ordered that the red and white Eagle be removed from the Polish National Football team shirts in 2010. A new shirt was introduced in 2011 – minus the eagle.
After overwhelming pressure from football fans, citizens with some common sense and even the president himself, the eagle-less shirts disappeared seemingly overnight.
Nevertheless, the Polish coat of arms stands all throughout the country as a representation of the country’s strength, solidarity, and courage in the face of adversity.
In fact, the name of the highest order awarded to both military and civilian personnel involves the eagle. The ‘Order of the White Eagle‘ (Order Orła Białego) is awarded to the most distinguished Poles and highest-ranking representatives of foreign countries.
The Polish flag with eagle
Non-Polish award recipients include Napoleon Bonaparte, Queen Elizabeth the 2nd and Emperor Hirohito.
Significance of Other Polish Animal Emblems
Another creature that most certainly deserves recognition alongside its avian cousin, the European Bison, or żubr.
The Białowieża Forest in the northeast of the country happens to be the only place left in the world where this animal roams free and protected. The Białowieża Forest is a UNESCO Heritage site. In recent times, though, the Bison and the forest have been threatened due to Government logging in the area.
It’s a sensitive topic, though, as both the government and conservationists want to protect the area from an invasive beetle species. Here’s a fantastic article on the topic.
The Bison, another Polish symbol of national pride, adorns the front of two very famous alcohols.
Żubr beer is known for being one of Poland’s beers. When you want a beer but you don’t know what you want, you go a Żubr.
The second drink a vodka that has a piece of ‘Bison grass’ in it, the same grass that the Bison itself eats. Zubrowka.
- “Żubrówka was first distilled in the 16th century and became a favourite drink of Polish royalty.
- One of a kind flavour with unique notes of almond, vanilla, coconut and fresh-cut grass
- Over the last 50 years, the brand has won over 60 awards at some of the most prestigious competitions and continues to win the hearts of bartenders and consumers worldwide today.”
Conclusion: The Enduring Significance of the Polish Eagle
Poland loves its symbolism. The eagle’s meaning to Poland is immeasurable and something truly important to the country’s culture.
Whether it’s a Polish eagle on the Polish flag or a simple red and white armband, there’s no denying what it represents – and it represents a lot. Poles love their eagle, Bison and anything else representing their country.
As a foreigner who’s been living here for a few years now, I must admit that I also feel a weird sense of pride when I see that flag waving at the top of Rondo Radosława.
In 1683 the Poles fought off the OTTOMAN EMPIRE which prevented muslims from invading Europe.
Are you kidding me with this panties? Who is producing it? Where did you find this photo?