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City of Offenbach

In memory - in thought

In 2023, the nationwide Cemetery Day on the third weekend in September will be held under the motto "In memory - in thought". How much time is left for remembering the deceased? What space do we create for our wishes and hopes? It is worth exploring these questions.

Our modern society is characterized by flexibility and mobility, speed, self-optimization and performance demands. In the face of death, however, time suddenly seems to stand still. Now it is time to say goodbye - with dignity and at our own individual pace. Now is the time to put our needs before efficiency.

Helpful rituals

Rituals such as visits to the cemetery can help people cope with their grief. Here, the bereaved find a safe place to say goodbye and remember the deceased: on occasions such as the anniversary of the birth or death, they decorate the graves of their loved ones with grave decorations - in Offenbach, Kickers scarves or flags are also used for this purpose -, they set up grave lights or light candles. The handling of flowers and plants on the grave can also help to process the grief: The "green cultural space cemetery" also allows for moments of well-being and relaxation. The tranquillity and closeness to nature allow us to draw hope and find new courage. All feelings are allowed - if we allow ourselves to have them.

Some people like to visit places that meant a lot to the deceased. They listen to their partner's favorite music, give their parents a bouquet of flowers they have picked themselves, put their grandfather's walking stick in their children's room. Others visit contact points for coping with grief and commemorate in the form of conversations. Still others withdraw quietly into themselves, create a memorial wall in their home, write a farewell letter. The expression and duration of grief are as individual as each person - there is no right or wrong.

A look at other religions can offer comfort: In Buddhism, death is a transition to a new state. It is part of life and is therefore not ignored. The bereaved remember beautiful experiences with the deceased or their good deeds and share them with other mourners. Thus, in addition to love, gratitude and even joy find their place in remembrance - in thoughts.


Cemetery administration

Friedhofsverwaltung
Mühlheimer Straße 425
63075 Offenbach

Notes on accessibility

Disabled parking spaces available

Notes on accessibility

Bus lines 103, 107, 120 (bus stop Neuer Friedhof)

Further information

Visitor parking lot in Ulmenstraße

Opening hours

The cemeteries are open as follows:

November through February:
Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 8.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

March and October:
Monday-Friday: 7.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 8.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.

April to September:
Monday-Friday: 7.00 a.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 7.00 a.m. - 8.00 p.m.

Explanations and notes

Picture credits