Hedvig Sophia of Sweden

At the table

Communal eating and scheduled weekly menus

Families often shared meals from a single communal bowl, and menus followed a strict schedule, such as eating fish on Fridays. Common dishes included pea soup with sausage or meat, turnip dishes, and grain porridges.

What people wore

Strict fashion laws for commoners

During the 1600s, Swedish commoners were strictly forbidden from using silk fabrics or other exclusive materials in public, with violators facing fines or imprisonment on bread and water.

Getting around

Travel by Horse and Foot

During the 17th century, ordinary people typically traveled between towns on horseback or on foot because public roads were often too narrow and stony for wagons.

What it cost

Value of clothing items

Stolen trousers were valued at 6 or 8 öre, reflecting the high cost of clothing items in the 16th century.

Music

Polska vs minuet for classes

The polska dance was recorded in 1673 and was considered suitable for peasants, unlike the upper-class minuet, which required graceful bows and movements.

Daily life

Limited access to formal schooling

Ordinary children often lacked formal schooling and helped with farm work from a young age, while only select boys from certain families attended schools to learn subjects like religion.