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Czołem Wielkiej Polsce (English: Hail Great Poland) is a Polish nationalist slogan that has been associated with various political and cultural movements in Poland. It has gained prominence in recent years, particularly during public gatherings and events commemorating Poland's independence.
Historical Background
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The slogan "Czołem Wielkiej Polsce" has historical roots dating back to Poland's complex history of independence and national identity. It is derived from the Polish word "czołem," which can be translated as "hail" or "salute," and "Wielka Polska," meaning "Great Poland." The use of such slogans has been a recurring motif in Polish history during moments of patriotic fervor and national pride.[1]
The usage of "Czołem Wielkiej Polsce" has been closely linked to various political and ideological movements. Notably, it has been associated initially with the Camp of Great Poland of Roman Dmowski and later the National Radical Camp (ONR), a revival of a 1930s Polish nationalist organization inspired by the Catholic Spanish dictator Francisco Franco.
In contemporary Poland, "Czołem Wielkiej Polsce" has found resonance primarily among far-right and ultranationalist movements. These groups have adopted the slogan to convey their vision of a culturally conservative, nationalist Poland. The slogan has been chanted and displayed on banners during various gatherings and rallies.
The slogan has been prominently featured during Poland's annual Independence Day celebrations on November 11th. This date marks the anniversary of Poland regaining its sovereignty in 1918, more than a century after it was partitioned and absorbed by neighboring powers.
Controversy
editThe use of "Czołem Wielkiej Polsce" and its association with far-right and ultranationalist movements have generated controversy both within Poland and internationally. Critics argue that the slogan is indicative of a growing far-right presence in the country and raises concerns about rising nationalism and xenophobia.[2]
Hail Great Poland! I speak here primarily as one of the veterans of the Independence March, as one of the founders of the Independence March Association. It's been fourteen years already. In the sad time after the Smolensk disaster, we gathered for the first time. We broke the malaise, we broke the sadness, we went out together onto the streets and walked despite the fact that the extreme left, which clowned around in Auschwitz prison uniforms, tried to stop us!
Today, they play the role of political leaders, and we do what Polish patriots do. Here, in Warsaw, or in their cities. We celebrate independence! We celebrate that Poland is a free country!
The Independence March from the beginning has gone under one main slogan: God, Honor, Fatherland. These are slogans that in one of the popular commercial TV station were described as fascist. These are Polish slogans! These are traditional slogans! These are slogans that we will never be ashamed of: God, Honor, and Fatherland!
Krzysztof Bosak, 2023[3]
In an incident in 2018, hundreds of supporters of the ONR and members of All-Polish Youth participated in a pilgrimage to Jasna Góra. They marched with burning torches and shouted slogans including Hail Great Poland, God, Honour, Fatherland, and Youth, Faith, Nationalism.[4]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Higgins, Andrew (11 November 2021). "As Poland celebrates its Independence Day, far-right groups stage rallies across the country". The New York Times. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
- ^ Campbell, Eric (27 April 2020). "Poland's government is leading a Catholic revival. It has minorities and liberals worried". ABC News. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
- ^ Bosak, Krzysztof. "Member of the Sejm Krzysztof Bosak at the Independence March in Warsaw". twitter.com. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
- ^ wprost (16 April 2018). "Narodowcy maszerowali z racami na Jasnej Górze. "Młodość, wiara, nacjonalizm" i "Czołem wielkiej Polsce"". wpost.pl. Retrieved 25 February 2024.