Count Franz Philipp von Lamberg

What people wore

Large pearl hat decorations for young men

In Transylvania, young men pinned a pearl bouquet (gyöngyös bokréta) on their hats that was often so large it pulled the hat to the side.

Getting around

The Buda to Vienna weekly diligence service

Between 1775 and 1799, the state-operated diligence (a fast postcoach) traveled between Buda and Vienna once a week, taking three days to complete the journey. The 2 gold forint ticket price included accommodation and three daily meals.

At the table

The omnipresence of wine

Wine was an omnipresent part of everyday life for common people in Hungary during the late eighteenth century.

Music

Peasant orchestras at royal celebrations

At large festivities like those for Maria Theresa in 1773, over a thousand peasants danced to music provided by their own orchestras.

Daily life

Limited Hygiene and Sanitation Practices

Bathing was rare, and people typically washed their face and hands using a bowl and carafe. Toilets were uncommon in private town dwellings, and chamber pots were standard for physiological needs, often being emptied out of windows.

What it cost

Unusual delicacies in late 18th-century diet

In the late 18th century, swamp turtles were considered standard food; a record from the period shows a price of 1 forint and 50 krajcár paid for two pairs of turtles. Additionally, officials purchased 1,700 river crayfish on the same day as part of their diet.