Rodło

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The Rodło is a Polish emblem used since 1932 by the Union of Poles in Germany. It shows a simplified image of the Vistula River and Kraków, seen as the origins of Polish culture. When Adolf Hitler came to power, Nazi symbols were made the official emblems, and Poles in Germany could not use their own symbols. Dr. Jan Kaczmarek suggested creating a new symbol that would express Polish identity without agreeing to the Nazi regime, while avoiding charges of anti-state activity. The Rodło name combines “ród” (folk) and “godło” (emblem).

The Rodło design, created in the 1930s by graphic designer Janina Kłopocka, depicts the Vistula River and Kraków, symbolizing the cradle of Polish people and culture. The white emblem sits on a red background, using Poland’s national colors. It was adopted in August 1932 by the Union of Poles in Germany and later used by other Polish groups there, notably the Scouts.

After World War II, Rodło was used by organizations working in Poland on lands taken from Germany. Several Polish football clubs have taken the Rodło name or used it in their badges, such as Rodło Trzciano (East Prussia), Rodło Granowice (Lower Silesia), Rodło Kwidzyn (Pomeranian), and Rodło Górniki (Upper Silesia), all formed around 1946. Rodło Opole was formed in 1996.

In 1985, the People's Republic of Poland introduced the Rodło Medal, which was discontinued in 1992 after the fall of communism.