Prince Heinrich XXX Reuss of Köstritz

Getting around

Railways significantly reduced travel time

Traveling between Moscow and St. Petersburg by train took 22 hours, whereas a carriage journey previously took 4 to 5 days.

At the table

Rare holiday luxuries

Meat was a luxury, typically consumed only on major holidays like Christmas and Easter, while coffee and tea were often viewed as rare, expensive, or even sinful luxuries.

What people wore

Peasant Men's Everyday Attire

Ordinary peasant men wore baggy linen trousers, known as portki or gacie, and shirts made of simple homespun cloth. For everyday work, they wore durable garments made from coarse, homespun linen, often opting for straw hats in the summer.

Music

Instruments used in everyday folk music

Villagers used simple instruments like willow flutes, whistles, reed pipes, or trumpets bought at fairs, while adults played violins, bagpipes, or drums at dances. Musical ensembles at festive events often included violins, basses, clarinets, and sometimes tsimbls.

Daily life

Home utilities and lighting in urban areas

Ordinary urban homes lacked piped water, requiring residents to fetch it from public wells or rely on water carriers. Lighting was provided by simple means like brass candlesticks, as kerosene lamps and electricity were rare or non-existent in common households.