Pelagia Mikhailovna Romanova

What people wore

Peasant clothing and winter protection

Peasant women wore long shirts and, on festive occasions, red ones, while girls crafted crowns from tree bark called kokoshniks. During winter, both men and women relied on sheepskin or hare fur coats for warmth.

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

Daily Wages for Urban Workers

Skilled urban craftsmen, such as carpenters, shoemakers, and blacksmiths, commonly earned a daily wage of 4 to 5 kopecks. Even unskilled laborers, known as yaryzhki, earned 3 kopecks per day, a rate that remained stable throughout the reign of Michael Feodorovich.

Music

Banned street musicians and instruments

Authorities repeatedly banned skomorokhs, itinerant performers who used instruments like domras, gusli, and bagpipes in public spaces.

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.

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

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.