Parzenica is one of the most recognisable symbols of the Podhale and Tatra regions. It consists of two stylised triangles that interlock with each other in a distinctive way. Although the parzenica is today an integral part of highland culture (Poland), its exact aetiology and meaning remain unclear to this day.

One theory on the origin of the name 'Parzenica' is that it is derived from the Hungarian word 'parna', which means evaporation. There is also a theory that the name is derived from two words: “parznąć" and “parznić", which refer to the process of processing leather. Both words refer to the processes involved in preparing leather for making footwear or clothing.

It seemed to me that the parzenica was a symbol of ancient pagan beliefs or the like, but the most likely source of its origin is the tailoring tradition. Parzenica originated as a symbol that was created in the slit trousers of highlanders, allowing them to move freely in the mountains. However, it got dirty easily, so it soon also became a symbol of cleanliness and attention to personal hygiene. Simply put, if someone had this patch on their trousers dirty, it meant they didn't take care of their own hygiene - and this is the most likely etiology of the symbol! 

Although the aetiology and meaning of the symbol remain a matter of debate, one thing is certain - this symbol is an integral part of the culture of the Podhale and Tatra Mountains, and its distinctive shape and pattern are recognisable throughout the world.

Highland symbol - parzenica (casual reflections)

Worth reading:

  1. "Parzenica: symbol góralski", Joanna Kulpa-Kuczyńska, wydawnictwo Prószyński i S-ka, 2014 - książka poświęcona historii, etiologii i symbolice parzenicy.
  2. "Parzenica - symbol góralski" - artykuł autorstwa Barbary i Janusza Czopek, opublikowany w czasopiśmie "Podhale" w 2013 roku. Artykuł omawia różne teorie na temat pochodzenia i znaczenia parzenicy.
  3. "Parzenica - symbol Podhala" - artykuł autorstwa Jacka Kudły, opublikowany w czasopiśmie "Taternik" w 2019 roku. Artykuł poświęcony jest historii i symbolice parzenicy, a także jej związkom z kulturą góralską.
  4. "Parzenica - symbol Podhala" - artykuł opublikowany na stronie internetowej Muzeum Tatrzańskiego. Artykuł omawia historię i symbolikę parzenicy, a także jej miejsce w kulturze Podhala.
  5. "Parzenica - symbol góralski" - artykuł autorstwa Dariusza Banasia, opublikowany w czasopiśmie "Wieś Podhalańska" w 2018 roku. Artykuł poświęcony jest historii i znaczeniu parzenicy, a także jej związkom z kulturą góralską i folklorem.