Have you noticed the small houses? These miniature dwellings make up the Himmlische Stadt der Kinder. It translates to Heavenly City of Children. This is a special place for grieving parents and families. It offers solace and remembrance.
The Himmlische Stadt der Kinder was created with artists Matthias Berthold and Andreas SchOn. Together they worked with affected families from Bargteheide. They designed a place to meet the needs of those in mourning.
Often the grief for a stillborn child is kept secret. The outside world did not even know the child existed. But for mothers and fathers it is a lifelong sorrow. The Himmlische Stadt der Kinder offers a place of remembrance. It is for children who died before or shortly after birth. It is also for those who do not have their own grave.
Here, families can create a lasting memory. The small houses you see each represent a child. Parents can personalize them. They can decorate them. Each little house becomes a unique memorial.
The Himmlische Stadt der Kinder began in 2011. It arose on the Bargteheide Cemetery. It is a paradisiacal garden. There is a small fountain. You can see a tree and a Himmlische Postamt. These elements add to the peaceful setting.
The goal is to bring the topic of child loss into public awareness. Creating the Himmlische Stadt der Kinder was a participatory project. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bargteheide commissioned it.
The Himmlische Stadt der Kinder provides support. Angela PrOpping runs a self-help group. Pastor Andreas Feldten is available for pastoral care. Kai Passow manages the cemetery.
It is supported by donations. This ensures that affected families face no costs. The cemetery provides the space free. The Tonwerkstatt also provides its services free.
School classes can visit the Himmlische Stadt der Kinder. The Bargteheide Cemetery becomes a place of learning. This teaches children about loss and remembrance.
From this project emerged a support group. It is called Nahen fur Sternenkinder Bargteheide e.V. This means Sewing for Star Children Bargteheide. Parents sew, crochet, knit, and craft for star children. They help other affected families. They also better equip hospitals.
The Himmlische Stadt der Kinder offers comfort. It makes a difficult topic visible. It reminds us of the importance of remembrance. It is a place of peace and healing. It is a testament to the power of community.