Christian IV of Denmark

At the table

Children drank beer instead of water

Because clean water was often unsafe to drink, almost everyone, including children, drank beer with their meals. It was usually weak and often quite sour.

What people wore

Everyday linen garments for artisans

Ordinary artisans frequently owned multiple linen shirts and shifts, which served as essential base layers worn closest to the skin.

Getting around

Travel by foot and peasant wagons

Ordinary people primarily traveled on foot, by horse, or in small, un-sprung, horse-drawn farmer's wagons. Travel was difficult, often involving navigating deep ruts, mud, and dangerous fords until bridges became more common.

What it cost

Fixed prices caused smaller bread loaves

In the mid-16th century, a standard loaf of bread (white bread or sifted bread) was sold at a fixed price, and bakers were frequently criticized for making the loaves smaller to cope with rising grain prices.

Music

Playing music was considered a game

During the 16th century, common people often referred to playing music as playing, using the term play for both instruments and games. Skilled musicians, known as pipers, were frequently expected to play the flute and small drum simultaneously at weddings and gatherings.

Daily life

Beer instead of water for drinking

Water was rarely drunk plain because it was often considered unsafe; instead, even children commonly drank beer, which was typically weak and sour. Water was primarily used for cooking and household needs, often sourced from wells that required careful management to prevent contamination.