Maria Kristina Wrangel

At the table

Everyday meals of pea soup and beer

Everyday meals often featured pea soup, bread, porridge, and boiled turnips, typically accompanied by pork or fish and plenty of weak beer. Beer was consumed in large quantities, often three to four liters per day, as it was safer to drink than the available water.

What people wore

Strict fashion laws for commoners

During the 1600s, Swedish commoners were strictly forbidden from using silk fabrics or other exclusive materials in public, with violators facing fines or imprisonment on bread and water.

Getting around

Postal workers maintained a strict, rapid pace

Postal workers were required to travel at a brisk pace of 10 kilometers every two hours, with journeys typically taking between 6 and 15 hours depending on weather.

What it cost

Price of bread and meat in Ångermanland

In Ångermanland, a single loaf of bread was valued at 2 öre, while 1 liter of meat cost 24 öre.

Music

Dances at social gatherings

While dances like the minuet were associated with the upper class and graceful, dainty steps, common people in the countryside frequently performed the Polska dance at festivals. Social gatherings were often characterized by both music and dancing as central activities.

Daily life

Simple homes with limited light

Homes were often simple, small wooden structures with tiny windows, and in many cases, windows were even nailed shut to conserve heat. Because glass was rare and expensive, lighting was provided by tallow or wax candles on brass or tin candle plates.