Vassili Mikhailovich Romanov

What people wore

Preserving festive clothing

To protect expensive holiday clothing from moths and mustiness during storage, people kept them in chests covered with water mouse skin.

Daily life

Smoke and Light in the Home

In most homes, chimneys were not used until the 18th century, so smoke from the stove often exited through a hole in the roof or simply filled the living space. For artificial light during dark winters, families used luchiny, which were thin splinters of resinous pine burned in a metal holder.

Work

Daily Wages for Urban Workers

Skilled urban craftsmen, such as carpenters, shoemakers, and blacksmiths, commonly earned a daily wage of 4 to 5 kopecks. Even unskilled laborers, known as yaryzhki, earned 3 kopecks per day, a rate that remained stable throughout the reign of Michael Feodorovich.

Music

Solitary dancing and embroidered handkerchiefs

When dancing, Russians traditionally did not hold hands; instead, individuals danced alone, often waving intricately embroidered handkerchiefs while moving their arms, shoulders, and hips.

At the table

Oat flour tolokno was a daily staple

Ordinary people frequently ate tolokno, a simple dish made by mixing oat flour with water, salt, and sometimes berries or honey. It was a staple, especially on fasting days.

Getting around

Carrying Supplies for Long Journeys

Because inns were rare, travelers were advised to carry essential supplies including an axe, fire-starting equipment, a cooking pot, and food for the entire duration of the journey. In the 16th and 17th centuries, many travelers were forced to camp under the open sky along riverbanks.

What it cost

Costs of basic food staples

Prices for basic goods included one kopeck for a kilogram of bread, while a chicken cost three kopecks, the same price as 50 eggs or 1.5 kilograms of butter.