Anna Margaretha, Freiin von Putbus

What people wore

Expensive żupan costs for wealthy burghers

Wealthy townspeople owned multiple żupans, often valued between 20 and 50 złotys, with the most expensive pieces reaching up to 300 złotys.

Daily life

Home-based nobility education

Children of the nobility were often educated at home, with lessons sometimes including physical training like throwing spears or archery, while girls were trained in household management, sewing, and embroidery to prepare for their future roles as wives and mothers. Formal education was often tailored to the child's age, and parents were warned against using excessive force, as it could cause the child to lose their presence of mind.

Work

Peasant work days far exceeded urban crafts

Peasant workers in rural Malopolska were required to work approximately 300 days per year, which was 110 days more than those employed in urban crafts.

Music

Bagpipes at festivals and inns

During festivals and weddings, the bagpipe was a popular instrument played at inns, while gentry and noblemen also enjoyed dancing to it in a spirit of native tradition.

At the table

High daily peasant beer consumption

In the 16th century, Polish peasants consumed substantial amounts of beer, often drinking between 1 and 1.5 liters per day.

Getting around

Splendor and challenges of noble travel

Magnates displayed their status through massive caravans, sometimes using hundreds of horses and even exotic animals like camels to carry their extensive possessions. For security, travelers often had to hire armed guards or use oaths to ensure the reliability of hired transport helpers.

What it cost

Quarterly wages for urban workers

Around 1600 in Lublin, a night watchman earned 550 grosz quarterly, while a teacher earned 220 grosz and an organist 180 grosz in the same period.