Poland’s national flag is a simple horizontal bicolour of white above red. The colors come directly from Polish heraldic tradition and were formally recognised as national colors during the November Uprising in 1831.

What does the Polish flag look like?

The civil national flag consists of two equal horizontal bands: white on top and red below. A separate state and merchant version places the Polish coat of arms, the crowned White Eagle, in the upper white band.

Where do the colors come from?

Poland’s Ministry of Culture explains that white and red come from the heraldry of the historic Polish-Lithuanian state. White derives from the White Eagle of Poland and the white knight of Lithuania’s Pahonia, both traditionally shown against red shields. In Polish heraldic convention, the color of the emblem takes precedence, which is why white appears above red.

History of the Polish flag

The Sejm of the Kingdom of Poland formally regulated white and red as national colors on February 7, 1831, during the November Uprising. The bicolour later became one of the most enduring symbols of Polish statehood through partitions, independence, war and communist rule. Modern law continues to define white and red as the colors of the Republic.

Poland flag facts

• Colors: white and red
• Design: two equal horizontal bands
• Colors formally recognised: February 7, 1831
• Flag Day: May 2

Source

Primary reference: Polish Ministry of Culture — history of the national flag.