Oscar II of Sweden

At the table

Common Rye Flatbread Consumption

Ordinary families commonly consumed a thin, griddle-baked rye bread known as fladbröd, which was eaten in large quantities during meals.

What people wore

Aprons were essential for women's daily morality

Until the mid-19th century, women were expected to wear an apron at all times while away from the farm, as going without one was considered immoral. The apron served as a decorative item on festive occasions and as protection during daily work.

Getting around

The mandatory horse-switching system at inns

Travelers relied on a system of roadside inns, where they were required to switch horses at every station to continue their journey. If no horses were available, travelers had to wait or search for replacements from nearby farms, which could take hours.

What it cost

Budgeting for food and housing

From the 17th century through the early 19th century, ordinary wage earners typically spent approximately 80 to 85 percent of their income on food and housing. The remaining small portion had to cover essential costs for clothing and footwear.

Music

The dominance of the polska dance

By the mid-19th century, the polska had evolved as the primary dance and tune style for the fiddle in Sweden's provinces.

Daily life

Pine splinters used for lighting

Ordinary homes relied on pine splinters for lighting because tallow candles were considered too expensive for everyday use. In the winter, families gathered around fireplaces, where resinous wood chips were burned to provide enough light for indoor tasks.