Polish Independence Day

Today is a national holiday in Poland, because it is Poland's Independence Day. The 11th November has been celebrated each year since 1918, almost a hundred years ago now. It is the anniversary of Poland's independence after having been under the control of Russia, Prussia and Austria for 123 years.

Imagine if some other country was in charge of Australia, and how happy everyone would be if that other country was no longer in charge. In Australia we are lucky that we are in charge of ourselves. Other countries have not been so lucky.

So Poles are very proud on this day. Yesterday, on Thursday, I noticed the maintenance man putting out the Polish flag so that it fluttered in the breeze from one of the school's balconies.



Later in the day, as I walked home from school, I noticed that all the buildings were beginning to sprout flags and pennants.

Today, on Independence Day, there are open air concerts, singing in the streets and other events. Many people have red and white ribbons on their coats (red and white are the colours of Poland's national flag).



You will also note the white eagle with a crown on some of the banners. This is another symbol of poland. It is Poland's coat of arms dating back to 1025 when Bolesław Chrobry was crowned the first King of Poland.



Compare the Polish coat of arms with that of Australia. What are the similarities? What are the differences?



What other countries have used native animals and plants as their national symbols? How do countries choose their symbols? Something to think about!