Danzig -- Amusements and Daily Life - Regulations of Daily Life -- Sumptuary Laws
Beginning in the 14th century many towns, especially those in northern Germany where great wealth was early accumulated through trade, municipal officials made efforts to regulate excess in spending. These sumptuary laws pertained to everyday items and occasions, like clothing, engagements, weddings and funerals. In Danzig the first of these was handwritten and hung on the door of the town hall in the 15th century. Printed Willküre are known for 1540 (probably), 1590, 1595, 1628, 1642, 1657, 1677, 1681, 1705, 1734. The requirements were not always backed by punishments for transgressions, and there were different regulations for different classes of people. The practice declined in the course of the 18th century.
Neu-Revidirte Hochzeit- Tauff= und Begräbniß-Ordnung der Stadt Dantzig, Aus Schluß Sämbtlicher Ordnungen ausgefertiget und publiciret den 29. October Anno 1734.