Margravine Friederike of Brandenburg-Schwedt

At the table

Beverages of Ordinary People

Ordinary people typically drank beer for sustenance and at social gatherings, while coffee began to gain popularity among some segments of the population toward the middle of the century. Barley coffee was also used as a common beverage for afternoon snacks.

What people wore

Mandatory Clothing for Knackers

A 1733 regulation required knackers and their assistants to wear dark gray coats with buttons and red, pointed hats to identify themselves in public. Failure to follow this dress code resulted in forced labor known as the cart punishment.

Getting around

Diverse modes and speeds of travel

While the wealthy could use express post services to travel faster, a large portion of the population traveled between towns on foot, including traders and pilgrims. Traveling with a large entourage, such as a queen's court, was significantly slower due to the need for frequent stops and local greetings.

Work

Working day hours and duration

During summer harvest, Frondienst labor requirements could last from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. In other seasons, work hours were strictly regulated, ranging from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in spring and autumn, to 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in winter.

Music

Music restricted during Frederick William I's reign

During the reign of King Frederick William I, who considered music a harmful art, musical performances were restricted to churches, and home celebrations or carnival processions were not held.

Daily life

Irregular school attendance and teaching

Prussian schooling was often erratic, with children frequently absent during summer months to work on farms or when families were required to pay fines for failing to send them. Many schools lacked trained teachers, relying instead on local sextons, discharged soldiers, or day laborers who often struggled to teach basic reading and arithmetic.