Angelitha Wass

What people wore

Ornate festive clothing and accessories

Festive attire featured more ornate elements such as gold or silver-trimmed belts, jewelry like necklaces and rings, and intricately embroidered shirts or hats with feathers. In some regions, women's festive skirts were lavishly pleated or featured specific colors like blue for young wives and black for older women.

Daily life

Dining Customs Without Forks

People typically ate two meals a day, using only knives and spoons, as forks had not yet spread. Dining was communal, with everyone taking food by hand from a single dish.

Work

Daily Wages and Purchasing Power

In the early 16th century, common laborers (day laborers) earned 5–9 dénár per day, and it took 20 days of work to earn one gold florin, which was the average price of an ox.

Music

Instruments used in secular-style music performances

In the early 16th century, musicians described heavenly music as being accompanied by fiddle, lute, drum, and cimbalom.

At the table

Two daily meals of bread and vegetables

Ordinary people in the Kingdom of Hungary typically ate two meals a day, consisting of bread made from rye, barley, or bran, as well as vegetables like cabbage, peas, and lentils.

Getting around

Everyday travel methods and preparations

Common travelers, such as poor students or musicians, typically traveled on foot, while wealthier individuals used horses or carriages; noblemen sometimes traveled in large caravans with multiple wagons for food and servants. Because roads were often in poor condition and lacked public infrastructure, travelers frequently relied on their own extensive preparations or local contacts for lodging.

What it cost

Daily Wages for Workers

In 1501, a common daily wage for workers in Nagyszeben was 10 denars.