Philip Frederick of the Palatinate

At the table

Beer as a safer everyday drink

Because water was frequently contaminated, ordinary families drank beer with every meal, including breakfast. This beer was typically a low-alcohol variety, often called small beer, which was safer to consume than water.

What people wore

Layering for Winter Skating

During winter, Dutch skaters wore extra layers of wool under their indoor clothing, which added colorful festive accents to the drab countryside.

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

Weekly wages for workers and craftsmen

An outdoor laborer in the 17th century typically earned 6.50 guilders per week, while a master carpenter earned 9 guilders per week.

Music

Church music and folk dance customs

Organists played for up to an hour after Sunday and Wednesday church services, sometimes using the organ to help the congregation practice the melody and tone for the psalms. During festive seasons, commoners participated in the traditional egg dance, which required dancers to maneuver around eggs on the ground without breaking them.

Daily life

Sourcing clean water

Fresh water was difficult to source due to local pollution, so households relied on buying clean river water from transport companies or capturing rainwater in roof cisterns. This water was essential for cooking and cleaning, as ground water was often brackish or smelly.