Kirill Poluektovich Naryshkin

What people wore

The belt as a status symbol

It was considered shameful to appear in public without a belt, as the belt served as a clear indicator of a person's social status.

Daily life

The multipurpose masonry stove

The massive masonry stove, occupying nearly a quarter of the home, was used for heating, cooking, and as a primary sleeping area. It was so efficient that it could keep food hot from the morning until lunch.

Work

Common Trades of City Dwellers

Urban workers were often classified by their crafts, including food producers like bakers, metal workers, tanners, and various service providers like bathhouse attendants and porters. Many individuals combined multiple trades to survive, especially given the seasonal nature of their work and the economic impact of the Time of Troubles.

Music

Women's street swing entertainment

Women enjoyed swinging on ropes or boards, where men would push them to great heights for a small payment.

At the table

Kvass was the most common daily drink

Common folk drank kvass, a fermented beverage made from rye or barley malt, daily. Alcohol such as beer and honey-based drinks were also consumed, though rural residents often produced these at home, while urban tavern customers spent an average of about 3 rubles and 66 kopecks annually on drinks.

Getting around

Sleighs and Horseback Travel Preferences

Sleighs were a favored mode of transport, and it was not uncommon for a bride to travel to church in a sleigh even during the summer. Furthermore, coaches were primarily used by aristocratic women, while men usually preferred riding on horseback.

What it cost

Monthly earnings for skilled workers

In the mid-17th century, a stonemason or carpenter in Moscow typically earned between 20 and 40 kopecks per month for a 12-hour workday.