kotwica

Kotwica is a Polish term meaning anchor, a device used to moor ships and to hold a vessel in place. In nautical contexts it denotes the traditional maritime symbol of stability, security, and seafaring culture. The word is also used more broadly to refer to representations of anchors in heraldry and design, where it conveys steadfastness and attachment to a place or tradition.

During World War II, Kotwica acquired a distinct historical significance as the emblem of the Polish resistance. Circa 1942, the letters P and W, standing for Polska Walcząca (Fighting Poland), were merged into a stylized anchor. The design served as a unifying symbol for the underground state and the Home Army (Armia Krajowa), appearing on clandestine publications, flags, badges, and graffiti. It became one of the most recognizable emblems of Polish resistance and an enduring element of memory related to the wartime struggle.

The typical Kotwica design consists of the letters P and W arranged to form the silhouette of an anchor, sometimes with additional elements or inscriptions. Its appearance varied in style but retained the core idea: a combination of letters that symbolizes national unity and resistance.

Today, the Kotwica remains an important symbol in Polish memory culture. It is visible in museums, memorial sites, and commemorative displays, and is often used to evoke the history of the Polish Underground State and the wartime opposition to occupying forces.