Mikalojus Kazanovskis

What people wore

Popularity of slitted clothing

Slitting sleeves and clothes to reveal contrasting linings or shirts underneath became a very popular trend in the early 16th century. This style was adopted by various social classes as a touch of flirtation and intimacy.

Daily life

Early schooling focused on Latin and arithmetic

Rural schooling became nearly universal by the early 16th century, though attendance was low, focusing on Latin prayers and basic arithmetic skills.

Work

Compulsory unpaid labor on manorial farms

Peasants spent much of their time performing unpaid labor, known as panszczyzna, on the lord's manorial farm in addition to working their own plots. This obligation was legally set at a minimum of one day per week by 1520 and often required farmers to provide their own horses, oxen, and equipment.

Music

Music in church and home

In royal and urban churches, choirs like the Rorantists performed sophisticated a cappella polyphony, while townspeople in their homes sang a mix of Polish songs, French chansons, and Italian frottole.

At the table

Beer as everyday beverage

Beer was the main everyday beverage for many, often brewed domestically, while mead was also consumed, though less frequently than beer.

Getting around

Importance of River Transport

Because land roads were often muddy and difficult, river transport using various vessels was essential for long-distance travel and the movement of heavy goods across the Commonwealth.

What it cost

Wages and purchasing power in Krakow

An average unskilled laborer in 16th-century Kraków earned about 2 grosze per day, which was enough to buy over 70 kilograms of rye or 45 kilograms of wheat per week.