Lagerdagar

Lagerdagar is a historical term referring to the days when a tenant or serf was obligated to perform unpaid labor for their landlord. This labor, often called corvée, was a significant part of the feudal system and manorial economy. The specific tasks and duration of lagerdagar varied widely depending on the region, the lord's demands, and the agricultural season. Typically, tenants were required to work the lord's demesne land, which was land directly managed by the lord, rather than their own rented plots. This labor could include plowing, sowing, harvesting, repairing fences, clearing land, or performing other manual tasks necessary for the upkeep of the manor and the lord's prosperity.

The frequency of lagerdagar could be fixed, such as a certain number of days per week or month, or it could be more fluid, called out as needed by the lord. This system was a cornerstone of agricultural production in medieval Europe, ensuring that lords had a readily available workforce without direct monetary cost. While tenants had their own fields to cultivate for their sustenance, the obligation to perform lagerdagar meant a significant portion of their time and labor was dedicated to their lord's benefit. This system began to decline with the rise of a money-based economy and the commutation of labor services into rent payments, though elements of it persisted in various forms for centuries. The term itself is of Germanic origin, reflecting its prevalence in regions with feudal structures derived from Germanic traditions.