Count Franz Philipp von Lamberg

What people wore

Large pearl hat decorations for young men

In Transylvania, young men pinned a pearl bouquet (gyöngyös bokréta) on their hats that was often so large it pulled the hat to the side.

Getting around

The Buda to Vienna weekly diligence service

Between 1775 and 1799, the state-operated diligence (a fast postcoach) traveled between Buda and Vienna once a week, taking three days to complete the journey. The 2 gold forint ticket price included accommodation and three daily meals.

At the table

Vegetables and spices in the diet

Vegetables like potatoes were only just beginning to be adopted, so meals were typically served with bread and sauces rather than vegetable side dishes. Paprika also began to gain importance, especially in peasant households, as a cheaper alternative to expensive pepper.

Music

Traditional instruments used for dancing

Common instruments for festive music included the tárogató (Turkish pipe), drums, trumpets, bagpipes, fiddles, and dulcimers.

Daily life

Limited Hygiene and Sanitation Practices

Bathing was rare, and people typically washed their face and hands using a bowl and carafe. Toilets were uncommon in private town dwellings, and chamber pots were standard for physiological needs, often being emptied out of windows.

What it cost

Unusual delicacies in late 18th-century diet

In the late 18th century, swamp turtles were considered standard food; a record from the period shows a price of 1 forint and 50 krajcár paid for two pairs of turtles. Additionally, officials purchased 1,700 river crayfish on the same day as part of their diet.