Throughout most of the history of Poland, the banner of Poland was one of the main symbols of the Polish State, normally reserved for use by the head of state. Although its design changed with time, it was generally a heraldic banner, i.e., one based directly on the national coat of arms: a crowned White Eagle on a red field ("Gules an eagle Argent crowned Or"). The banner should not be confused with the flag of Poland, a white and red , officially adopted in 1919.