Charles Gonzaga

What people wore

Clothing for feast days vs daily life

Common villagers typically wore the same basic garments daily, while the more prosperous members of the community had specific outfits reserved for Sundays and feast days.

Daily life

Crowded living in shared urban spaces

In 17th-century Paris, ordinary people often lived in crowded, narrow buildings where a single room served as a kitchen, sleeping area, and living space. Privacy was minimal, as rooms were frequently shared by entire families, lodgers, or apprentices.

Work

Workday schedules and labor patterns

The workday typically lasted from dawn until dusk, with summer hours from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM and winter hours from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Workers often faced a labor-intensive schedule, and those in the building trades were famously noted for being especially restless or turbulent.

Music

Peasants danced to pipe and tabor

French peasants frequently danced on Sundays to the sound of the pipe and tabor as a form of relaxation after working all week.

At the table

Drinking wine instead of dangerous water

Drinking water was often considered unhealthy, so ordinary people preferred to drink diluted wine or piquette, a low-quality drink made from grape pomace.

Getting around

Primary modes of travel were simple

Ordinary people primarily traveled by foot, on horseback, or via water, as roads were frequently unpaved and turned into mud during rain.

What it cost

Medical treatment cost versus cutlery price

A medical enema in the 17th century cost 15 sous, which was the same price as a gross of small whistle knives.