Henriette Marie of the Palatinate

What people wore

Dutch Women's Headwear Traditions

In the early 17th century, a woman's hair was typically hidden under a small cap; she first wore an under-cap directly on her hair, followed by an ornamental cap on top.

Daily life

Split Doors Kept Children Safe

Families often used split doors, which allowed the top half to be opened for fresh air while keeping the bottom half closed to keep animals out and small children safely inside.

Work

Wages and benefits in stivers

A skilled worker around 1600 earned roughly 14 stivers per day, while an apprentice might receive only 6 stivers per week. Employers sometimes provided bonuses like a pair of new shoes or a hat at the end of an apprenticeship.

Music

Music in daily Dutch life

The Dutch enjoyed music at home in small amateur groups called Collegia Musica or during family gatherings, while common folk played instruments like fiddles, bagpipes, and hurdy-gurdies at taverns, weddings, and seasonal festivals. Songs were integral to daily life, with maids singing during housework and lullabies used to put children to sleep.

At the table

Beer as a daily necessity

Beer was the standard drink for everyone, including children, because polluted water made it dangerous to consume. People drank a low-alcohol version called small beer, with annual per capita consumption estimated at around 280 liters.

Getting around

Strict schedules and timekeeping measures

To ensure punctuality, sandglasses were used in boats and at docks to time the trips, and skippers were fined if they caused delays. In some cases, passengers could even pay 18 stuivers to force a boat to depart.

What it cost

Cost of bread and beer

In 1620, a 12-pound loaf of rye bread cost 6.5 stuivers, while a tankard of beer cost only 0.5 stuivers.