Hedwig Jagiellon, Electress of Brandenburg

At the table

Beer soup for breakfast

Beer was the most common everyday drink, often consumed in the morning as a thick beer soup.

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.

Getting around

Difficult conditions for travelers and inns

Roads were often in poor condition, and finding suitable overnight shelter was difficult, with some inns described as being little better than a cattle-shed.

What it cost

Purchasing power of weekly wages

For one week's wages, a laborer could purchase approximately 100 liters of beer or a pair of shoes, which cost 7 to 8 grossi.

Music

Common musical instruments

Bagpipes, flutes, and fiddles were popular instruments, with bagpipers commonly providing music for weddings and parties at both city and country inns.

Daily life

No formal schooling for rural children

Rural children did not attend formal schools; instead, their childhood was short and primarily focused on learning farm work through games and assisting their parents. Many children played with self-made wooden or clay toys, or simply used natural objects like sand, stones, and water.