Paul I of Russia

What people wore

Inherited silk festive clothing of wealthy families

Merchant and wealthy peasant women cherished festive clothing made from thick silk fabrics like satin and brocade, which were passed down through generations. These colorful, expensive garments were often adorned with large, bright floral patterns that reflected a blend of European trends and traditional folk art.

Getting around

The podorozhnaya travel permit system

Travelers could obtain a podorozhnaya, a travel permit that authorized the use of state-provided post horses and required payment of a fee for every verst traveled.

At the table

Sour cabbage soup was daily fare

Shchi, a soup made from sour cabbage or sauerkraut, was the most common daily meal, often enriched with hemp oil in fasting periods or sour cream on regular days. In the absence of meat, this soup served as the main course, frequently accompanied by porridge.

Music

Unique Eighteenth-Century Russian Horn Orchestras

In the mid-eighteenth century, the unique horn orchestra became a feature of Russian culture, consisting of 50 to 91 musicians playing brass horns that could each produce only one specific note.

Daily life

The versatile Russian stove and new ceilings

The Russian stove served as the center of the home for cooking and heating, often featuring a dedicated sleeping bench on top. During the 18th century, homes increasingly adopted flat ceilings, which helped distribute smoke more evenly, reducing the need for the traditional smoke-venting windows.

What it cost

Annual wages for factory workers

In the mid-18th century, unskilled factory workers or general laborers typically earned around 16 rubles per year, while skilled masters could earn 30 to 60 rubles annually. Some workers also received payment in kind, such as flour, grain, salt, or meat, to supplement their low cash wages.