Friedrich Wilhelm I of Prussia

Work

Memorable Facts: Wages and Quotas

Female servants often earned very low wages, with a 1631 list showing they received only about 3.8 Gulden annually, which was 42 percent of the average male servant's wage. Additionally, compulsory labor duties often included specific quotas, such as women being required to spin 6 pounds of flax per year.

What people wore

The Tiphoike hooded cloak

The Tiphoike was a distinctive black hooded cloak worn over the head that functioned as a status symbol, with length and adornment varying between social classes.

Daily life

Seasonal and limited schooling

There was no general compulsory schooling, and children often attended only during winter months because their labor was required for farm work in the summer. Instruction focused primarily on memorizing the Bible and learning to pray, with limited teaching of reading and writing.

News and letters

Chaotic cargo on post wagons

Post wagons often carried a chaotic mix of goods, including barrels, crates, and even unpackaged game like deer or pigs.

Music

Church and celebrations used town pipers

In early modern German towns, town pipers’ wind instruments were used at church services and also for special occasions such as weddings or house concerts.

At the table

Porridge was the primary warm meal

Porridge made from oats or millet was the most important warm meal, often prepared in large batches and reheated, which gave it a tough, semi-solid consistency. People typically ate directly from a common bowl at the center of the table using their hands or a wooden spoon.