Mikalojus Kazanovskis

What people wore

Popularity of slitted clothing

Slitting sleeves and clothes to reveal contrasting linings or shirts underneath became a very popular trend in the early 16th century. This style was adopted by various social classes as a touch of flirtation and intimacy.

Daily life

Protective names given to young children

Before a formal naming ceremony at the first haircut, children were given protective names like Wolf or Not-Mine to mislead evil spirits.

Work

Compulsory unpaid labor on manorial farms

Peasants spent much of their time performing unpaid labor, known as panszczyzna, on the lord's manorial farm in addition to working their own plots. This obligation was legally set at a minimum of one day per week by 1520 and often required farmers to provide their own horses, oxen, and equipment.

Music

Musical instruments at festivities

Instruments like the lute, harp, violin, and bagpipes were commonly used to accompany festivities, weddings, and parties at inns or manors.

At the table

Rye bread as daily staple

Rye was the primary cereal used for bread, which served as the essential daily food for the majority of the population.

Getting around

Daily Travel Speeds in the 16th Century

In the 16th century, travelers on foot or in carts laden with goods typically covered about 25 km per day, while specialized postal routes could reach speeds of over 60 km per day.

What it cost

Daily wages for workers and craftsmen

An unskilled day laborer typically earned about 1.5 to 2 grossi per day, while a skilled carpenter or mason could earn between 30 and 60 grossi per week.