John II, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Haderslev

At the table

Two simple daily meals

Ordinary families ate two main meals a day, usually centered around porridge, bread, and simple meat or fish dishes.

What people wore

DIY footwear for everyday use

Simple, practical footwear for daily use could be made by anyone with just a piece of animal skin, a knife to punch holes, and string to tie it around the ankle.

Getting around

Traveling by foot or wagon

In the 1500s, people typically traveled by foot, horseback, or in wagons, covering about 6 to 7 km per hour in a walking pace.

What it cost

Cost of a barrel of rye in 1524

In 1524, a barrel of rye was recorded as costing 8 skilling in one instance and 12 skilling in another.

Music

Music and Games in Daily Life

During the 16th century, the term playing (at lege) was used for both music, dice, and cards, while flute, shawm, and organ were common instruments at festivities.

Daily life

Childhood Education and Literacy

There was no compulsory schooling, but King Christian II's 1521 legislation encouraged the instruction of children in the Christian faith, reading, writing, and arithmetic. In practice, education was often informal, with parish priests or parents teaching the basics, while those aiming for the clergy might attend Latin schools in towns.