On October 31, 2017, 500 years of the Reformation will be celebrated across Germany. Life around the year 1517 was not easy. It offered people numerous mental and physical challenges. Food and drink were of central importance to the population. As the hygienic conditions in many places were not ideal, water played a special role in health and nutrition.
Bubbling market fountain in Wittenberg
In the 16th century, it was mainly fountains that supplied the city’s population with water. However, this water was not germ-free and was not sufficient for proper personal hygiene. Both caused diseases and recurring epidemics. The water supply in the cities only improved with the development of various trades and the growing prosperity of the middle class. Water pipes, water towers and the first waterworks were built. Historic fountains and water towers can still be found in many towns. However, the elaborately renovated market fountain in Lutherstadt Wittenberg has recently started to gush not water, but beer to mark the 500th anniversary of the founding of the town. anniversary of the Reformation.
When beer was still considered a foodstuff
In the recently updated recommendations of the German Nutrition Society (DGE), under the heading “it is best to drink water”, you will not only find the optimum daily fluid intake of around 1.5 liters of water. It is also described that alcoholic drinks are not recommended. In addition to the impairment of general well-being after increased alcohol consumption, the DGE also emphasizes the additional calories and the increased risk of cancer due to alcohol consumption. But for people 500 years ago, brewed beer was one of the main thirst quenchers alongside water. Beer was considered food in Luther’s day. Today it is classified as a stimulant. The thin beer had very little alcohol and was drunk by older children. Unlike fresh water, beer was heated during the brewing process. This significantly reduced the risk of infection. It was also tastier than pure water.
A popular drink in the 16th and 21st centuries
Martin Luther was no glutton for punishment. He liked to eat and drink. Although he advocated that children under the age of nine should not drink beer, a lot was brewed in Luther’s house. According to historical records , at least 4,500 liters of beer are brewed every year. Spring water was often used to brew beer. But wine was also on Luther’s menu as a luxury food. Children and adults also drank more water and milk. Today, milk is no longer considered a drink, but a foodstuff. According to numerous contemporary researchers, milk is not suitable as a thirst quencher. Drinking water was not given as much attention in tradition because it was commonplace. Water and beer are still among the most popular beverages today. In 2016, an average of 148 liters of mineral and medicinal water were drunk per person in Germany. Last year, the average per capita consumption of beer was around 104.1 liters(source: Statista).
Incidentally, considering that Luther not only had a large family in his house, but also numerous guests and that the dinner party consisted of around 40 people, the per capita consumption of beer brewed annually would not be unrealistically high at an average of 112.5 liters. This would roughly correspond to the average per capita consumption of beer in Germany in 2007
