Jacob the Dacian

What people wore

Homemade clothing and purchased finery

Ordinary people often made their own clothing at home from materials like wool, linen, and animal skins, while finer items like silk or damask were purchased for special occasions.

Daily life

Childhood Education and Literacy

There was no compulsory schooling, but King Christian II's 1521 legislation encouraged the instruction of children in the Christian faith, reading, writing, and arithmetic. In practice, education was often informal, with parish priests or parents teaching the basics, while those aiming for the clergy might attend Latin schools in towns.

Work

Demanding labour for ploughing

Ploughing was heavy work typically requiring four horses and two men to perform.

Music

Music and Games in Daily Life

During the 16th century, the term playing (at lege) was used for both music, dice, and cards, while flute, shawm, and organ were common instruments at festivities.

At the table

Herring and kale as staples

Salted herring was a staple food for many, supplemented by kale as a crucial winter vegetable because it could survive outdoors all year.

Getting around

Standard travel by foot or wagon

Ordinary people primarily traveled on foot or by horse-drawn peasant wagons, as standard travel distances were measured by a day's journey of approximately 50 to 70 kilometers.

What it cost

Prices of poultry in 1510

In 1510, a goose could be purchased for 1 skilling dansk, while a hen cost 6 penninge dansk.