Kirsten Munk

What people wore

Clothing as economic currency for artisans

Artisan families in towns like Elsinore used clothing as economic currency that could be turned into cash, and inventories show that garments were personal assets of significant value.

Daily life

Lighting homes with pine splinters

In many households, people used resinous pine splinters called "stikved" for light, which could even be held in the mouth to keep both hands free while working. Ordinary people often relied solely on the glow from the open hearth after dark.

Work

The Daily Agricultural Routine

Farm work followed strict seasonal cycles, with men plowing and harvesting while women managed livestock, brewing, and baking. Day laborers might perform various manor tasks for 16 to 20 sk. per day.

Music

Tower Musicians and Expensive Instruments

Tower musicians played daily signals for the city, including morning, midday, and evening sets, and were also hired for private events like weddings. Frederik II ordered two new silver kettledrums from a Kolding goldsmith, which cost over 4000 kroner.

At the table

Kale sustained families through winter

Kale was a vital vitamin source for ordinary people because it was the only vegetable that could survive outdoors all winter. Consequently, home gardens were often referred to as kale-yards.

Getting around

Frequent carriage changes in winter

Travelers often had to change carriages every two to four miles in winter because coachmen were unwilling to travel far and horses tired quickly in the snow.

What it cost

Cost of poultry and eggs

At midsummer 1582 in Helsingør, a pair of fat chickens cost 50 øre and twenty eggs cost 25 øre.