The Revival of Dusking: A Journey into Darkness

Dusking, a practice of observing the transition from day to night, is being revived by Dutch poet Marjolijn van Heemstra. This custom, once common in the Netherlands, involves gathering to watch the world fade into darkness without the interference of artificial light. The first dusking event in the UK took place in a walled garden on the edge of the North York Moors, where participants engaged in this mindful practice, reflecting on the beauty of twilight.

The Guardian

Van Heemstra discovered dusking through an elderly woman who reminisced about the tradition from her childhood. Historical records indicate that dusking was a normal part of daily life as far back as the 18th century. Since its revival, dusking events have gained popularity, with gatherings of up to 400 people in Amsterdam and regular sessions at cultural venues like the Park theatre in Eindhoven. Van Heemstra emphasizes that dusking serves as a form of mindfulness, encouraging participants to focus on the natural world rather than their devices.

The Guardian

Van Heemstra advocates for a reconnection with darkness, arguing that modern life, dominated by artificial light, has led to an "attention crisis." She highlights the detrimental effects of light pollution, which has increased globally by 9.6% annually from 2011 to 2022. In the western hemisphere, only 10% of people experience truly dark skies. Dusking, she argues, can help restore a sense of calm and connection to the environment, as many people are surprised by the tranquility they feel in darkness.

The Guardian

The revival of dusking aligns with broader efforts to combat light pollution. Since 2001, 250 locations across 22 countries have been designated as "dark sky places," including 22 in the UK. The North York Moors national park, recognized as a gold-tier dark sky reserve, implements measures to reduce light pollution, such as dimming street lights and directing illumination only where necessary. Events like the annual Dark Skies festival promote awareness and encourage lifestyle changes among attendees, such as using low-impact lighting at home.

The Guardian

While dusking has garnered interest, some may view it as a fleeting trend in wellness culture. Critics question whether it can genuinely address the deeper issues of modern life, such as the pervasive reliance on technology. However, van Heemstra counters that the real fad is the estrangement from nature and the need to slow down in a fast-paced world.

The Guardian

Dusking not only revives a forgotten tradition but also fosters a deeper connection with the natural world. As van Heemstra notes, "Darkness is a time of dreams, fears, stars, stories," suggesting that reintroducing this practice can help restore lost connections and promote well-being in an increasingly illuminated world.

The Guardian