Rogatywka
Encyclopedia
Rogatywka is the Polish
generic name for an asymmetrical
, peaked, four-pointed cap used by various Polish military formations throughout the ages. It is a distant relative of its 18th century predecessor, konfederatka (because of use by members of the Bar Confederation
), although similar caps has been used by light cavalry since 14th century. It consists of a four-pointed top and a short peak, usually made of black or brown leather. Although rogatywka (derived from róg = horn, corner) in English seems to mean the same as czapka
, the word 'czapka' in Polish designates not only rogatywka, but all caps (not hats).
The hardened model, followed by rogatywka Mk. 1935, olive green with black peak, is presently used in full gala uniforms, while the rim colour marks unit type (for ex. navy blue - typical, crimson - military police, green - artillery, and so on). The soft version was used before World War II
and during PRL
period for garrison suits; it was withdrawn after 1990.
Polish soldiers, unlike in most military forces, decorate caps not with the emblem of the corps, but always with a modified White Eagle, which is the Polish coat of arms
. The meaning of colors:
staff (soft, navy blue or red).
Green rogatywka with brown leather peak and scout Fleur-de-lis
symbol, is traditionally worn by Polish boy scouts, grey is sometimes used by girl guides.
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
generic name for an asymmetrical
Asymmetry
Asymmetry is the absence of, or a violation of, symmetry.-In organisms:Due to how cells divide in organisms, asymmetry in organisms is fairly usual in at least one dimension, with biological symmetry also being common in at least one dimension....
, peaked, four-pointed cap used by various Polish military formations throughout the ages. It is a distant relative of its 18th century predecessor, konfederatka (because of use by members of the Bar Confederation
Bar Confederation
The Bar Confederation was an association of Polish nobles formed at the fortress of Bar in Podolia in 1768 to defend the internal and external independence of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth against Russian influence and against King Stanisław August Poniatowski and Polish reformers who were...
), although similar caps has been used by light cavalry since 14th century. It consists of a four-pointed top and a short peak, usually made of black or brown leather. Although rogatywka (derived from róg = horn, corner) in English seems to mean the same as czapka
Czapka
Czapka is a Polish and Belorussian generic word for a cap. However, it is perhaps best known to English speakers as a word for the 19th century Polish cavalry headgear, consisting of a high, four-pointed cap with regimental insignia on the front to which feathers or rosettes were sometimes...
, the word 'czapka' in Polish designates not only rogatywka, but all caps (not hats).
Usage
It usually comes in two variants: the hardened and soft version.The hardened model, followed by rogatywka Mk. 1935, olive green with black peak, is presently used in full gala uniforms, while the rim colour marks unit type (for ex. navy blue - typical, crimson - military police, green - artillery, and so on). The soft version was used before World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
and during PRL
People's Republic of Poland
The People's Republic of Poland was the official name of Poland from 1952 to 1990. Although the Soviet Union took control of the country immediately after the liberation from Nazi Germany in 1944, the name of the state was not changed until eight years later...
period for garrison suits; it was withdrawn after 1990.
Polish soldiers, unlike in most military forces, decorate caps not with the emblem of the corps, but always with a modified White Eagle, which is the Polish coat of arms
Coat of arms of Poland
The White Eagle is the national coat of arms of Poland. It is a stylized white eagle with a golden beak and talons, and wearing a golden crown, in a red shield.- Legal basis :...
. The meaning of colors:
- navy blue – generals, mechanized troops, law corps and National Honour Guard
- orange – units dedicated to honor historical panzer troops, scouts
- dark green – rocket forces, artillery, anti-aircraft units
- black – engineering units, cadets
- cornflower – HQs, radio services
- cherry – medics
- scarlet – Military Police
- violet – chaplains
- yellow – headquarters, 1st Warsaw Mechanized Division, 1st Warsaw Armoured Division
Others
Rogatywka is used by Polish fire-fighters (hardened, all navy blue) and Polskie Koleje PaństwowePolskie Koleje Panstwowe
is the dominant railway operator in Poland.The company was founded when the former state-owned operator was divided into several units based on the requirements laid down by the European Union...
staff (soft, navy blue or red).
Green rogatywka with brown leather peak and scout Fleur-de-lis
Fleur-de-lis
The fleur-de-lis or fleur-de-lys is a stylized lily or iris that is used as a decorative design or symbol. It may be "at one and the same time, political, dynastic, artistic, emblematic, and symbolic", especially in heraldry...
symbol, is traditionally worn by Polish boy scouts, grey is sometimes used by girl guides.