Originally Posted by
kyratshooter
In nature there are only a few animals that will offer enough fat to render for usable amounts of oil; hogs, bear, geese and most of the marine mammals.
In the pre-electrical and kerosene lamp eras things got pretty dark in the high latitudes during winter. Most people simply could not afford to buy the natural oils or candles needed to maintain light in the homes.
And yes, after feeding the livestock and having a bite to eat most folks simply stayed in bed, much like hibernation, during the dark months.
Suicide rates were very high due to light deprivation disorders.
Life in the city was a bit different with people gathering in taverns and inns which were kept lit and heated to promote business. Still, after work and after a bite to eat at the tavern or pub, when you went home, it was usually straight to bed in a dark and unheated room.
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