The Origins of Legend
The Polish coat of arms, featuring a white eagle on a red shield, is one of the oldest national symbols in Europe. Its history traces back to the legend of Lech, the founder of Poland, who saw a white eagle nesting against the red sunset.
According to medieval chronicle, three brothers — Lech, Czech, and Rus — set out from their lands in search of new settlements. When Lech reached the territory of today’s Greater Poland, he saw a nest with a white eagle on an oak tree. Taking this as a sign, he decided to settle there, and the eagle became the symbol of his people.
Evolution Through the Ages
The Piast Era (966-1370)
During the reign of the Piast dynasty, the eagle began appearing on seals and coins. Przemysł II, upon his coronation as King of Poland in 1295, officially adopted the eagle as the royal symbol.
The Golden Age (1569-1795)
During the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth period, the eagle was combined with the Lithuanian Pahonia, creating the characteristic union coat of arms. This period produced the most ornate versions of the eagle, with crown, scepter, and orb.
Partitions and Rebirth (1795-1918)
Despite the partitions, the White Eagle remained a symbol of resistance and hope for regaining independence. It appeared on insurgent banners and in the works of émigré artists.
Contemporary Significance
Today, the White Eagle is the official emblem of the Republic of Poland, symbolizing the continuity of statehood and the spirit of the nation. Its image can be found on state documents, uniforms, and everywhere Polish identity is manifested.
The coat of arms has undergone many modifications — from the crownless eagle during the communist period, to the restoration of the crown in 1990, which symbolically closed the communist era and marked a return to traditional values.