Anna Franziska, Prinzessin von Thurn und Taxis

What people wore

Evolution of clothing materials and styles

During the late 17th century in the region, men's clothing primarily consisted of heavy, durable fabrics, whereas women's fashion began to change more rapidly with the emergence of the dress as a distinct garment.

Daily life

Lighting and candles in daily life

By 1700, an average household in Ghent possessed about six lighting-related objects, such as candles and candlesticks, which doubled by 1800. Candles provided brighter light than lamps but were more expensive, leading people to use oil lamps and small lanterns for daily tasks.

Work

Unusual labor tasks for the lord

In earlier times, peasants sometimes had to perform labor services like stirring pond water to keep frogs silent so the lord could sleep, though such feudal obligations were increasingly rare by the late 17th century.

Music

Christmas carols in church

During Christmas, churches performed Cantiones Natalitiae, polyphonic motets in Dutch or Latin that featured pastoral themes, such as shepherds playing bagpipes and flutes for the newborn Jesus.

At the table

Simple diet of the ordinary people

Ordinary people in the Spanish Netherlands relied on a simple diet primarily consisting of rye bread, porridge, and soups made from vegetables grown in their own gardens. Meat was eaten only occasionally.

Getting around

Subsidized travel for the poor

While ordinary people traveled by boat, the poor could sometimes travel at a reduced fare thanks to city-funded armenkassen (poor funds), which also helped remove beggars from towns.

What it cost

Food prices in the 17th century

A pig cost 24 livres, while a bushel of red wheat was priced at 47 sous in the 17th century.