Night History

Author: A. Roger Ekich (USA)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-10-01
Features: The History of the Night consists of twelve chapters, divided into four parts.
Part The Shadow of Death: This section primarily introduces the various dangers of the night. The threats people face physically and mentally intensify during nighttime. It is likely that in Western history, the night has never been as terrifying as it was then.
Part The Laws of Nature: This section mainly discusses the official and public responses to the night. Initially, the church and government implemented various suppressive measures against nighttime activities, such as curfews and night watches. By the late 17th century, public spaces in both small and large cities were only partially returned to the people. Ordinary people, whether at home or outdoors, had to rely on magic, religion, and natural knowledge to defend against the darkness of the city and countryside. This matrix of popular customs and beliefs provided the stage for various social activities conducted in the dark after sunset.
Part The Kingdom of Darkness: This section explores the customs and habits of people's work and leisure. The family life, unknown to outsiders, weakens social constraints, creating an intimate atmosphere for family members, friends, and lovers. If the night is a time of personal freedom for most people, then for the upper and lower classes, it is even more attractive. Subsequently, it examines the importance of the night for both the aristocracy and the common people in multiple aspects. After dark, power shifts from the powerful to the marginalized.
Part The Secret World: This section analyzes bedtime rituals, sleep disturbances, and the long-standing sleep scenarios that would wake up families before midnight in pre-industrial times. People would wake up for a variety of reasons—urinating, smoking, or even visiting neighbors. Others would have sex, pray, or recall dreams in the middle of the night—historically, dreams are crucial, serving as an important source of comfort and self-awareness.
The epilogue, Dawn, analyzes the process of the demystification of the night in both small and large cities after the mid-18th century. By then, the modern "24/7" society, which has had a profound impact on personal safety and freedom, had already laid its foundation.