JÓZEF PIŁSUDSKI

pronounced: /ˈju.zɛf pʲiwˈsut͡ski/

Was a statesman, soldier, and national hero who led Poland to independence in 1918. He is remembered as the architect of the modern Polish state and a defender of its sovereignty. His image is tied to patriotism, strength, and determination in the face of overwhelming odds. For Poles, Piłsudski remains a symbol of leadership and sacrifice.

DROŻDŻÓWKA

pronounced: /drɔʒˈd͡ʐuf.ka/

Is a sweet yeast bun, often filled with cheese, fruit, or poppy seeds. For generations, it has been the classic school snack, bought in bakeries on the way to lessons. It carries a nostalgic taste of childhood for most Poles. More than just food, it represents simple everyday joys of Polish life.

SOLIDARNOŚĆ

pronounced: /sɔ.liˈdar.nɔɕt͡ɕ/

Was the famous trade union movement born in Gdańsk in 1980, led by Lech Wałęsa. It united workers, intellectuals, and the Church in peaceful resistance against communist rule. The movement became a global symbol of courage and human rights, helping to bring down the Iron Curtain. For Poles, Solidarność represents unity, dignity, and hope.

KRÓL

pronounced: /krul/

The “king” is closely tied to the Royal Castle in Chęciny, a medieval stronghold where Polish monarchs once gathered. The castle was a seat of power, justice, and military command during the Piast dynasty. Today it reminds visitors of the grandeur of Polish kingship and the unity of the realm. Standing on its towers feels like stepping into the age of Poland’s medieval rulers. 

KSIĄŻĘ

pronounced: /ˈkɕɔ̃ʑɛ/

The “duke” is connected with the Castle in Sandomierz, once the residence of Polish princes. It reflects the time when Poland was divided into duchies, before unification under the crown. The castle is a monument to regional power and noble traditions of medieval Poland. Visiting it reveals how dukes shaped the country’s early history. 

NIEPODLEGŁOŚĆ

pronounced: /ɛ.pɔdˈlɛɡ.wɔɕt͡ɕ/

Means “independence” and is one of the most sacred words in Polish history. After centuries of partitions and foreign rule, regaining independence in 1918 became a cornerstone of national identity. It symbolises freedom, resilience, and the Polish spirit of survival. For Poles, it is not just politics but a deeply emotional heritage.

KOLĘDA

pronounced: /kɔˈlɛnda/

Is a Polish Christmas carol, sung for centuries during the festive season. It blends Christian themes with folk melodies, creating a unique spiritual and cultural tradition. Families and choirs still sing them together, passing stories of hope, peace, and togetherness. For Poles, kolęda is as essential to Christmas as the tree or festive meal.

SKRZYPCE

pronounced: /ˈskʂɨpt͡sɛ/

The violin, or skrzypce, holds a central place in Polish musical tradition. From lively folk dances in villages to grand symphonies in opera houses, it carries the emotional soul of the nation. Its sound is linked to both joy and melancholy, reflecting Poland’s history of struggles and celebrations. Hearing it often feels like listening to the voice of Poland itself.

ŚWIERSZCZ

pronounced: /ˈɕfjɛʂt͡ʂ/

The cricket, or świerszcz, has a strong presence in Polish folk imagination. Its chirping on summer nights is associated with village life, quiet fields, and the passing of time. In stories and proverbs, it often symbolises simplicity and modest happiness. For Poles, its sound is like a natural lullaby of the countryside.

WRÓBEL

pronounced: /ˈvrubɛl/

The sparrow, or wróbel, is one of Poland’s most common yet most beloved birds. Often seen in towns and villages, it represents resilience, modesty, and the strength of small creatures. In Polish songs and poems, the sparrow is a cheerful companion of everyday life. For many, its chirping is a soundtrack of childhood.

ŻUREK

pronounced: /ˈʒu.rɛk/

Is a sour rye soup, one of Poland’s most iconic dishes, eaten especially at Easter. It is made with fermented rye flour, white sausage, and eggs, giving it a tangy, hearty flavour. For centuries, it has symbolised simplicity, resilience, and the creativity of Polish peasant cuisine. Sharing żurek at the table is a ritual of family and tradition.

GOŁĄBKI

pronounced: /ɡɔˈwɔmpki/

Literally “little pigeons”, are cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice, slowly simmered in a tomato or mushroom sauce. Despite their name, they contain no bird - instead, they embody the spirit of Polish home cooking. They are a dish of warmth and generosity, often served at family celebrations. For Poles, gołąbki taste of childhood, hospitality, and the countryside.

CHŁODNIK

pronounced: /ˈxwɔdɲik/

Is a traditional cold beetroot soup, enjoyed in Poland during hot summer days. With its bright pink colour from beets, enriched with cucumbers, dill, and kefir, it is as refreshing as it is symbolic of seasonal cuisine. It reflects the Polish love for fresh garden produce and light meals in contrast to heavy winter dishes. Eating chłodnik is like tasting summer in Poland.

JABŁKO

pronounced: /ˈjab.wkɔ/

The apple is the most iconic fruit in Poland, deeply rooted in orchards and traditions. Poland is one of the largest apple producers in Europe, and the fruit appears in countless recipes - from cider to apple pie called szarlotka. In Polish culture, apples often symbolise health, abundance, and rural heritage. To taste a Polish apple is to taste the countryside itself.

Żuraw

pronounced: /ˈʒuː.rav/

The Gdańsk Crane is a medieval harbour crane from the 15th century, once the largest of its kind in Europe. It symbolises the city’s golden age of trade on the Baltic Sea, when merchants and sailors brought wealth to Poland. Today it stands as a proud reminder of Hanseatic culture and resilience after wartime destruction. Visiting it feels like stepping back into Poland’s maritime past.

ŻONKIL

pronounced: /ˈʒɔn.kil/

The daffodil, called żonkil in Polish, blooms every spring and carries strong cultural meaning. It is especially tied to remembrance of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, symbolising memory and hope. In Poland, wearing a daffodil often means honouring the victims of war and oppression. Its bright yellow is a sign of both renewal and solemn respect.

PSZCZOŁA

pronounced: /ˈpʂt͡ʂɔ.wa/

The bee is cherished in Polish culture not only as a symbol of hard work but also as a guardian of nature. Traditional beekeeping has deep roots in the Polish countryside, where honey was once sacred and used in mead-making. In folk songs and sayings, the bee represents community and resilience. To Poles, it is more than an insect, it is part of their rural soul.

Źrebak

pronounced: /ˈʑrɛ.bak/

A foal, or źrebak, is a beloved sight in the Polish countryside, where horse breeding has long traditions. Horses played a key role in Polish history, from noble cavalry to everyday farming life. Seeing a young foal often symbolises hope, vitality, and continuity of rural culture. It connects modern Poles with their equestrian heritage.

Żubr

pronounced: /ˈʐubr/

Is the Polish word for European bison (Bison bonasus). It is the heaviest wild land animal in Europe. The European bison is also known as wisent, and sometimes colloquially as the European buffalo. It is one of two extant species of bison, alongside the American bison. In Poland, the żubr is a national symbol and can be found in protected areas like Białowieża National Park and Wolin National Park. The name "Żubr" is also used for a popular Polish beer.

Hejnał

pronounced: /ˈxɛj.naʊ/

Hejnał Mariacki in English is translated as St. Mary's Trumpet Call. It's a traditional Polish bugle call played every hour from the tower of St. Mary's Basilica in Kraków. The tune is known for its abrupt ending, a tradition said to commemorate a watchman who was struck by an arrow while sounding the alarm during a Tatar invasion.

The Organising Committee for the 26th World Scout Jamboree has been established by Związek Harcerstwa Polskiego as a foundation under the Host Organisation Agreement, providing a legal entity for the planning and delivery of the World Scout Jamboree Poland 2027. The foundation is registered in the National Court Register held by the District Court Gdańsk-Północ in Gdańsk under the number KRS 0001022285. It has a tax identification number of PL-583-347-28-08 and a statistical number REGON 52467170500000. The foundation’s legal seat is located at Za murami 2-10, 80-823 Gdańsk, Poland.