Anne Cathrine Christiansdatter

What it cost

Rye bread price in the 1600s

In the 1600s, a pound of rye bread typically cost 1 to 2 skilling, though prices could rise significantly during grain shortages.

Music

Singing folk ballads was common entertainment

In the early 17th century, the vast majority of common people relied on singing old folk ballads (folkeviser) as their primary form of music at home and at gatherings. A letter from 1609 notes that people used these ancient verses and songs to enhance the joy of all feasts and social meetings.

Daily life

Drinking Beer Instead of Water

Water was often contaminated, so adults and children preferred to drink weak beer; it was sometimes even forbidden to drink from wells.

Work

Peasant household tasks and ploughing teams

Peasant households were the basic economic unit, with men ploughing, sowing, and harvesting, while women managed livestock, butter, beer, and bread production. In the early 17th century, a typical ploughing team required four horses and two men to handle the heavy work.

Getting around

Standard day's journey of four miles

A Danish mile, used as a measure for travel, was approximately 7.5 kilometers, and four miles were considered a standard day's journey.

At the table

Beer replaced water for all ages

Because drinking water was often unsafe, people of all ages drank thin, sour beer with their meals instead.