STUMBLING STONES Meaning and
Definition
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Stumbling stones, also known as Stolpersteine in German, are small commemorative plaques embedded in the sidewalks of cities and towns throughout Europe. These plaques serve as a collective memory to remember and honor the victims of the Holocaust and other forms of persecution during the Nazi regime.
Measuring 10 centimeters by 10 centimeters, these stones are typically made of brass and bear the name, date of birth, deportation date, and fate of an individual who fell victim to the atrocities of the Holocaust. They are placed outside the last known address of the person being commemorated.
The term "stumbling stones" reflects the idea that these plaques are meant to be noticed by passersby, causing them to pause, reflect, and metaphorically stumble upon the memory of the individuals whose lives were tragically cut short. The stumbling stones aim to create a personal and emotional connection between the past and the present, in the hope of preventing similar atrocities from happening in the future.
Created by the German artist Gunter Demnig in the 1990s, stumbling stones have spread across many countries in Europe, forming a vast network of remembrance. They serve as a silent reminder of the millions of lives lost during the Holocaust, fostering a collective responsibility to ensure such horrors are never repeated.
Common Misspellings for STUMBLING STONES
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- stukbling stones
Etymology of STUMBLING STONES
The term "stumbling stones" refers to a collection of small, brass plaques embedded in the sidewalks and pavements of various cities across Europe, particularly in Germany and Austria. These plaques serve as memorials for victims of the Holocaust, providing individual narratives of those who were persecuted and killed by the Nazis.
The etymology of the term "stumbling stones" stems from the German word "Stolpersteine". The term was coined by the German artist Gunter Demnig, who initiated this art project in the 1990s. The word itself is a compound, combining "stolpern" (meaning "to stumble") and "Steine" (meaning "stones"). "Stolpersteine" can be translated as "stones to stumble upon" or "stumble stones" in English.
