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24.02.2021

The gorget throughout Polish history

On the 10th anniversary of Poland’s establishing the National Day of Remembrance of "Cursed Soldiers", the IPN’s Education Office issued replicas of three gorgets belonging to three exceptional figures: Zygmunt Szendzielarz "Łupaszka", Franciszek Majewski "Słony" and Henryk Flame "Bartek".

The gorget depicting Our Lady of the Gates of Dawn. Photo: Katyń Museum
The gorget belonging to Franciszek Majewski "Słony". Photo: IPN
A replica of the gorget belonging to Henryk Flame "Bartek". Photo: IPN

 

The gorget was originally part of a knight's armor and was gradually reduced to a shield-shaped medallion.

Today the gorget tradition is still alive. These items accompany special events in the life of  Polish families. They are also present  in ​​public life. They remain a universal carrier of history and remembrance.

The President of the Republic of Poland in Exile, Ryszard Kaczorowski, perfectly captured the essence of the Polish gorget:

"In Polish history, only a few objects have gained the rank of national symbols representing the noblest ideas of service to God and Poland. Undoubtedly, this elite group includes the gorget, which, along  with representations of the Mother of God, has become a kind of shield, and at the same time a Sign of the Motherland and a manifestation of faith. The tradition of Poles' struggles to regain and maintain independence has a special place in our hearts today. The Polish gorget, derived from the sign of military service, symbolizes fidelity and readiness to fight in defense of the highest values. [...] Knights, insurgents, legionnaires, scouts, partisans, soldiers from various fronts in the fighting for a free Poland confided in the Mother of God to watch over their lives [...] "

 

Source: Eustachy Rakoczy, , "Znak Ojczyzny. Jasnogórski ryngraf w polskiej tradycji rycersko-żołnierskiej" [Sign of the Motherland. The Gate of Dawn gorget in the Polish knightly and military tradition]


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