Frederick William von Hessenstein

Getting around

Travel by horseback and packhorse trails

In the early to mid-1700s, riding on horseback or walking were the standard ways to travel long distances, while goods were often transported using packhorses (klövjehästar) on trails because many roads were too poor for wheeled vehicles.

Daily life

Cooking with the large iron pot

The large iron or bronze cooking pot remained the primary tool for preparing food in most households throughout this period. In many rural homes, these pots were among the most expensive individual items owned.

What people wore

Ribbons for unmarried women’s hair

In 1749, unmarried women in Virestad often wore their hair uncovered, decorated with various braided ribbons made of red cloth, black velvet, or silver glitter.

Music

Folk instruments and church singing style

Common folk instruments in this period included the nyckelharpa, hurdy-gurdy, and drums, while country church congregational singing was often described by clergy as shrill and heterophonous.

At the table

Salted food and diluted beer consumption

Food was often heavily salted for preservation, particularly meat and fish, which provided essential protein alongside dairy. People commonly drank large quantities of beer, often diluted with water, as a standard daily beverage.