Karl von Habsburg

What people wore

Exclusive aristocratic symbols

Wearing the color red or sporting a feather on a hat were considered highly elitist practices reserved for the aristocracy and prohibited for the rural population.

Daily life

Children treated as adults

Children were typically treated like small adults and were expected to emulate adult behavior as they learned crafts and chores from their parents.

Work

Fraudulent practices in vineyard labour

Vineyard labourers sometimes committed a fraud called Bärenanbinden, where they would take a wage advance and then leave their job before the work was finished.

Music

Domestic music in early 17th-century Austria

The Linzer Orgeltabulatur, compiled between 1611 and 1613, contains 108 pieces that were intended for domestic recreation on the regal, a small reed-organ, rather than for church use.

At the table

Festive treats for the poor

Nonnenfürzle, a small, deep-fried pastry made from choux dough, was a rare and valued treat for the rural population on festive occasions. These delicacies were prepared in hot lard and rolled in sugar when enough money was available.

Getting around

Typical travel times and rest points.

A 115-kilometer journey between St. Pölten and St. Florian typically required 20 to 28 hours. Travelers often stayed at posting stations located about every 25 kilometers to rest and change horses.

What it cost

Beef price in 1600

In 1600, beef in Styria cost 2 Kreuzer per pound.