John, Elector of Saxony

What people wore

Women's Stockings and Garters

Peasant women wore stockings that reached above the knee, which were held in place by garters tied above the calf. These were often made from wool and cut at a 45-degree angle to the grain to ensure they were stretchable and fit tightly.

Daily life

Central hearths for light and cooking

The primary source of light, heat, and cooking in many homes was a central indoor campfire, as open hearths were common in smaller dwellings. Wealthier urban households sometimes had their own wells and used specialized kitchen equipment like bronze mortars for grinding spices and three-legged Dutch ovens, known as Grapen, for roasting or stewing.

Work

Late night threshing work in autumn

In rural areas, farmers threshing grain by hand in autumn worked until 10 or 11 p.m. to finish the task, often consuming schnapps to sustain themselves.

Music

Carnival Dances and Singing Traditions

During the Nuremberg carnival, butchers performed a traditional round dance in public, which was supported by the city council and accompanied by professional town pipers. Dancers also frequently sang as they performed in these rounds, although some city councils prohibited the singing of shameful songs during the festivities.

At the table

Regional bread preferences in Germany

In northern regions, dark sourdough rye bread was the staple food, while in the south, laborers expected lighter bread made from wheat.

Getting around

River travel was significantly faster

Travel by water was faster; flat-bottomed river boats could cover 100 to 150 kilometers downstream in a single day under optimal conditions.

What it cost

Meat prices and daily wages

A daily wage for a laborer in Augsburg was equivalent to the value of 5 to 6 pounds of the best meat. In Bavaria, one pound of the best beef cost 2 pfennige, while a day laborer earned 18 pfennige daily.