Prince Harald of Denmark

What people wore

Complex tailoring of men's shirts

A traditional Danish man's shirt was often constructed from 15 separate pieces of linen, which were carefully cut from a single piece of fabric to minimize waste and costs.

Getting around

Adjusting watches at train stations

Because of local time differences, passengers had to adjust their pocket watches at every new station until standardized time zones were introduced.

At the table

Poverty limited working-class diet

In 1872, a mother could earn 25 øre by making 500 small fire starters, which was only enough to buy a quarter of a rye bread and 2 kg of fat for the family. Because of extreme poverty, many working-class families had to rely on fat-smeared bread when they could not afford hot meals.

Music

Wedding dances and lively music traditions

During 19th-century weddings, musicians played for dancers from the afternoon until the following morning. Traditional chain dances were common, and musicians were often paid by passing a plate around, sometimes playfully involving items like a wooden shoe to prompt guests to contribute more.

Daily life

Mandatory schooling for all children

A national law passed in 1814 required all children to attend school from age seven until confirmation at age 14, often studying on alternating days to allow time for chores.

What it cost

Child labor and the cost of food

To survive on very low wages, families relied on child labor, such as making matchsticks; a mother could earn 25 øre for producing 500 small matches, which could purchase only a quarter of a loaf of rye bread and 2 kg of fat.