The Overworked American: The Unexpected Decline Of Leisure

They worked 5 days a week (often playing hookie), 4-8 hours a day [including two 30-60-minute breaks and a 2-3-hour lunch, which included a nap, with food (lunch and breakfast) provided by the lord], depending on the season. They enjoyed three holiday periods: Easter (March/April), Midsummer (late June), and Christmas (late December). According to researchers, peasants enjoyed 42% (in Spain), 48% (in France), and 33%-51% (in England) of their days not selling their labor to their aristocracy. Compare that to the modern capitalist subject, who spends 34% of days off. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3