Coat of arms of Warsaw

The coat of arms of Warsaw is known as The Warsaw Mermaid. It shows a syrenka in a red field. People have used this symbol since at least the mid-14th century. The syrenka usually holds a silver sword, but this detail is missing from newer versions of the coat of arms.

History

The first coat of arms of Warsaw showed a dragon with a male human head, holding a sword and a shield. The oldest known example comes from a seal made in 1390. Over time, the dragon's male head and body changed to a female one, and by the late 1500s, its tail became that of a fish. Only the sword and shield remained from the original design.

Later, around the early 1600s, Warsaw began using a mermaid with a sword and shield. Since 1622, the coat of arms has shown this mermaid, inspired by a legend about Melusina from the Vistula River. According to the story, she guided a duke to where Warsaw now stands. The city’s motto is Contemnit procellas, meaning "It defies the storms."

Modern usage

The current design of Warsaw's symbol started in 1938 but was used only until the beginning of World War II. After 1945, changes were made by officials, but in 1990, the old design was brought back.

There is also a special emblem used for important events. It shows a medal given to Warsaw for the bravery of its people during World War II and includes the words Semper invicta (Always invincible). Some soldiers in the United Kingdom wear a symbol of Warsaw on their uniforms.

Statues and sculptures

The coat of arms of Warsaw from 1659 appeared on the cover of one of the city's accounting books. You can see statues and images of the syrenka, Warsaw's symbol, in many places. There is a syrenka statue in the Old Town Market square, on Powiśle, and even inside the Sejm's Plenary Hall.