Tsarevich Dmitry Alexeyevich of Russia

At the table

Oat flour tolokno was a daily staple

Ordinary people frequently ate tolokno, a simple dish made by mixing oat flour with water, salt, and sometimes berries or honey. It was a staple, especially on fasting days.

What people wore

Preserving festive clothing

To protect expensive holiday clothing from moths and mustiness during storage, people kept them in chests covered with water mouse skin.

Getting around

Carrying Supplies for Long Journeys

Because inns were rare, travelers were advised to carry essential supplies including an axe, fire-starting equipment, a cooking pot, and food for the entire duration of the journey. In the 16th and 17th centuries, many travelers were forced to camp under the open sky along riverbanks.

What it cost

Cost of footwear

In the late 17th century, a pair of fine morocco leather boots cost 1 ruble, while simpler leather shoes were significantly cheaper.

Music

Destruction of Forbidden Musical Instruments

In 1636 and 1648, authorities confiscated and publicly burned carts filled with folk instruments like domras, bagpipes, and flutes to suppress performances. Owners found with these forbidden instruments faced severe punishment, including flogging and exile.

Daily life

Smoke and Light in the Home

In most homes, chimneys were not used until the 18th century, so smoke from the stove often exited through a hole in the roof or simply filled the living space. For artificial light during dark winters, families used luchiny, which were thin splinters of resinous pine burned in a metal holder.