Resting Places for 'Star Children' on Thuringian Cemeteries - Thuringia Honors 'Star Children' With Annual Graveside Ceremonies
The 15th of October marks the international memorial day for 'star children', honouring children who died before, during, or after birth. In Thuringia, several cemeteries provide graves for these 'star children', with ceremonies held throughout the year.
In Weimar, the main cemetery hosts three ceremonies annually, burying around 30 'star children' each time. This tradition follows a similar practice in Erfurt, where the main cemetery has a 'rainbow grave' for 'star children' since 2002, with two ceremonies held each year. The initiative for these graves often comes from affected parents or self-help groups, with birth clinics and cemeteries cooperating.
Thuringian burial law extends the right to burial to miscarriages and aborted fetuses, with a burial obligation from 500 grams of birth weight. Since 2014, Jena has seen 21 collective burials of 'star children'. In the city, the University Clinic manages a grave site on the North Cemetery, with two ceremonies held each year to bury an urn containing the ashes of several children.
The memorial day for 'star children' is recognised in Thuringia with graves and ceremonies in several cities, including Weimar, Erfurt, and Jena. This practice, often initiated by affected parents and supported by local institutions, provides a space for remembrance and healing.
