Lights and memories: Memorial tree for star children in Innsbruck

Lights and memories: Memorial tree for star children in Innsbruck

Every year on December 8th, people worldwide commemorate children who have never seen the light of day. On this day, known as "Worldwide Candle Lighting Day", affected families ignite candles to commemorate their late children. This moving occasion is supported in Tyrol by the so -called Christmas tree of memories, which recently found its way into Innsbruck.

In 2021, the first memory tree was set up in the Kufstein. This tree offers parents the opportunity to attach their personal star on the occasion of the commemoration. This is done by the initiative of the “Healthy Insurance” (Gil) network, which is promoted by the state of Tyrol. This year over 35 municipalities in Tyrol have joined to support this important memorial.

a common light of memory

In Innsbruck, a call took place on Monday to hang wooden stars on the memorial tree on the Christkindlmarkt. Among the speakers was also State Councilor Cornelia Hagele, who emphasized the importance of such memorials. "Every candle stands for a deceased child. A sea of ​​lights in the old town is supposed to remind the children who have already died before their lives have actually started properly," explains the state manager of Gil, Sandra Stichammer.

In addition, a light train through the old town of Innsbruck starts at 6 p.m., which receives a special framework by participating the community. Relatives can hang on the trees on the trees. This gesture of memories is an important part of mourning for many families.

help offers for affected parents

statistics show that between 300 and 400 misconceptions or stillbirths are recorded in Tyrol. During this difficult time, the “Healthy Inshern Healthy” Network is supported by both self -help groups and with individual support. Bernhard Achatz, a representative of the Austrian health insurance fund, emphasizes how important these help offers are: "If the good hope takes a sad end, those affected are in good hands with Gil."

The GIL initiative offers comprehensive support, starting with advice to self-help groups for parents who are in stressful life situations. The funding period of 600,000 euros for 2024 by the state of Tyrol underlines the significant role of this support in society, which not only takes care of the well -being of the parents, but also about their children.

From November 22nd to 26th November there is more information on the memorial trees as well as the possibility of bringing your own wooden stars or acquired on site at the social level of the Christkindlmarkt in Innsbruck. For more information, visit the Gil website at www.gesundinsleben.at .