Virginia Eriksdotter

What people wore

Utility items worn on belts

Both men and women wore belts where they kept knives and leather pouches; women additionally used their belts to carry the keys to the farm.

Daily life

Education and work at home

Formal schooling was not available for ordinary children; they learned life skills and Christian catechism at home or through work, as schools were generally reserved for a few boys of higher status. Children were expected to contribute to the household economy from a young age through tasks like spinning wool, tending animals, or manual labor.

Work

Memorable details of survival and labor

Some laborers performed specialized tasks like trampling clay for brick making or breaking flax, while a cottager named Mats Olsson's inventory included only a scythe, five fishing nets, and three iron tools, showing a reliance on varied, low-value items. His small herd of seven animals, including one cow and three sheep, was likely essential for both survival and potential future investment.

Music

Ring dances and communal singing at festivals

People enjoyed singing and dancing in rings or long rows, often in open fields or village squares, during festivities and family celebrations.

At the table

Beaver was considered a fasting fish

People considered beavers to be fish because they swim with their tails, allowing them to eat beaver meat during religious fasting periods when meat was otherwise prohibited.

Getting around

Travel by Foot and Horseback

In the 16th century, Swedes primarily traveled on foot or horseback, as carriages were not yet common for general use. People often traveled in groups for safety and to share the burdens of the journey.

What it cost

Value of clothing items

Stolen trousers were valued at 6 or 8 öre, reflecting the high cost of clothing items in the 16th century.