Princess Maria Christina of Saxony

At the table

The Famous Warka Beer

Beer from Warka was so highly regarded that even Pope Clement VIII reportedly requested it on his deathbed.

What people wore

Elaborate Festive Headgear

During festive occasions, women in regions like Chełmskie wore elaborate headpieces constructed from vinca garlands, colorful wool weavings, and ribbons to signify status and abundance. This ritualized headwear was carefully removed after church services and stored for future use.

Getting around

Common modes of transportation and travel speeds

Travelers used various wheeled vehicles, such as carriages for the wealthy and simple carts called kolasa for commoners, while poorer people generally traveled on foot. In the 18th century, the expansion of the postal system allowed stagecoaches to travel 60 to 100 kilometers per day on main roads.

What it cost

Uniform cost for a militia guard

In Toruń during the mid-18th century, a city militia guard had to save about 1 złoty polski to purchase missing parts of his uniform.

Music

Stryjanka dance etiquette at home

In the dance known as Stryjanka, which was accompanied by the violin at home, respectable people often only performed the first march-like part, leaving the lively second half to others.

Daily life

Lighting and cooking tools

Light depended on cost: poorer households used tallow candles made from animal fat, while wealthier homes burned more expensive beeswax candles. Cooking tools included suspended cauldrons or three-legged pots used over fires, and iron frying pans.