The flag of Poland consists of two horizontal stripes of equal width: the top stripe is white, and the bottom stripe is red. The white symbolizes peace, harmony, and the Polish people's aspirations. The red represents the blood shed for the country's independence and its strength. The flag is simple and has been in use since 1919, though it has been associated with Poland since the 13th century. It has also been officially adopted as the national flag of Poland under the Polish Constitution of 1989.