In the news1583–1585
Deadly epidemic hits Copenhagen
A severe typhus-like epidemic hit Copenhagen in 1583, leading to an average of 46 deaths per day in August.
Kolding, 18 Apr 1580 – Husum, 1639
11 facts3 sources
18 Apr 1580
Born in Kolding
1597–1603
2 children are born
1639
Dies in Husum
She lived through 6 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Kolding.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In the news1583–1585
A severe typhus-like epidemic hit Copenhagen in 1583, leading to an average of 46 deaths per day in August.
Getting around
Perilous boat crossings of the Belt
Crossing the Great Belt could be treacherous, requiring passengers to hire rowboats and sometimes wait days for calm weather, while ice might necessitate passengers walking on frozen patches.
In the news1580–1581
An infectious disease known locally as the Spanish Pip caused high mortality across the Nordic region, including killing a third of the population on Nordstrand.
Daily life
Lighting homes with pine splinters
In many households, people used resinous pine splinters called "stikved" for light, which could even be held in the mouth to keep both hands free while working. Ordinary people often relied solely on the glow from the open hearth after dark.
What people wore
Clothing as economic currency for artisans
Artisan families in towns like Elsinore used clothing as economic currency that could be turned into cash, and inventories show that garments were personal assets of significant value.
Music
Noble Dances and Festive Performances
Dancing was a central part of nobility education, featuring the stately pavane, the cheerful chain-dance called bransle, and the gaillarde, an improvised leaping dance in 6/8 time. In 1577, a popular "fool's dance" was performed at the Copenhagen Castle courtyard for the King and his guests.
At the table
Breakfast consisted of beer and bread
A common breakfast was oellebroed, a warm dish made by dipping bread into beer. Children at schools, such as those in Soroe, were served this meal around 7:00 in the morning.