Luxury for farmers

Luxury for farmers
In the 18th century, most people living in Rogaland are wearing clothes made of local wool and linen. But, towards the end of the century, when there is good access to imported goods from overseas, it becomes common even for farmers to obtain clothes made of silk. The authorities in Copenhagen are sceptical to this trend and believe that a line must be drawn. Society must be class conscious, and a person's clothes should clearly display the class to which he or she belongs. It is thus wrong for the peasant classes to wear clothes similar to those worn by high status folk. So, in order to meet the already silk-clad farmer halfway, silk in hats is permitted. If a farmer has obtained other silk items before 12 March 1783, he can wear them for three years before they must be discarded. It varies as to whether Norwegian farmers actually comply with these rules.