Examples of bodices from the region of Podhale, southern Poland [source].
Worn for special occasions, these bodices are adorned with bead embroidery. The motifs are resembling the dziewięćsił flower (stemless carline thistle), plant that grows in the mountainous parts of southern Poland. The plant is under protection by law as endangered species.
In the Polish language, the name “dziewięćsił” comes from the two words: “dziewięć” + “siła” (”nine” + “strenght/power”). It has its roots in old folk beliefs that the plants’ healing power is 9 times more powerful than the other herbs used in local folk medicine and magic. The dziewięćsił was a source of nine mystical powers and used in many healing and protective rites. Nowadays it’s one of the most popular decorative motifs in the region of Podhale.