Christian von Dietrichstein

What people wore

Children’s rigid clothing standards

Children from poorer families typically wore only a long simple shirt, while children past the age of four were dressed in the same uncomfortable, restrictive clothing styles as their parents.

Daily life

Education for children

In rural areas, formal schooling was rare, whereas children of urban artisans and craftsmen received elementary education.

Work

Rural work in the Habsburg lands

In the countryside, peasant households employed servants including maids and farm-hands, while day labourers were hired specifically for intensive periods like harvests.

Music

Noble dance music in Graz

Around 1618, nobility in Graz enjoyed ensemble dance music, such as the pieces in Posch's collection, often featuring four string instruments for feasts.

At the table

Festive treats for the poor

Nonnenfürzle, a small, deep-fried pastry made from choux dough, was a rare and valued treat for the rural population on festive occasions. These delicacies were prepared in hot lard and rolled in sugar when enough money was available.

Getting around

Walking and riding were primary transport methods.

Most people traveled on foot, covering 20 to 35 kilometers per day depending on the terrain. Wealthier individuals traveled by horse or carriage, though poor road conditions and the risk of accidents often limited daily progress to similar distances.

What it cost

Candle Prices

In the early 17th century, one pound of tallow candles cost 6 Kreuzer, while a pound of table candles cost 28 Kreuzer.