Gifts

Gifts were given on 1 January. Everyone gave and received them. The landlord gave his workers a feast. In return they gave him small gifts from the land on which they worked, such as chicken and apples.

Courtiers gave gifts to the king and queen and they gave gifts in return. Leather gloves were popular presents. Other fashionable gifts included sweets such as marzipan, sugared fruit, embroidered hankies, jewellery, pomanders and other scented presents.

How to make a pomander

A pomander or clove orange was carried to hold up to your nose in the smelly streets of the town. They are easy to make.

• 1 orange (make sure it has an oily skin. Test with your fingernail to see how oily it is)
• 1 box of cloves
• Ribbon
• Dressmaker's pins
• 1 box of powdered cinnamon
• Sheets of greaseproof paper

Method

1. You may need an adult to help you with this step. Fasten your ribbon with a pin as shown. You can tie a bow or loop so you can hold it

2. Push your cloves into the orange so the buds are on the surface – leave a little space in between each clove. As the orange dries out the cloves will move closer together

3. When the whole orange is covered, place on greaseproof paper with some powdered cinnamon

4. Wrap the clove orange up in the greaseproof paper with the powdered cinnamon

5. Place in a warm, dry place (e.g. a cupboard) for six weeks

6. After six weeks your pomander should be hard and dry like a cricket ball. It should smell delicious!