Kirsten Munk

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.

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.

Work

The Daily Agricultural Routine

Farm work followed strict seasonal cycles, with men plowing and harvesting while women managed livestock, brewing, and baking. Day laborers might perform various manor tasks for 16 to 20 sk. per day.

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

Kale sustained families through winter

Kale was a vital vitamin source for ordinary people because it was the only vegetable that could survive outdoors all winter. Consequently, home gardens were often referred to as kale-yards.

Getting around

Carriages replaced horseback for travel

In the 16th century, horse-drawn carriages became increasingly common for transporting people, replacing the earlier custom where both men and women typically traveled on horseback.

What it cost

Cost of poultry and eggs

At midsummer 1582 in Helsingør, a pair of fat chickens cost 50 øre and twenty eggs cost 25 øre.