Welcome to Feileacain
Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Association of Ireland
"May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun, and find your shoulder to alight on, to bring you luck, happiness and riches, today, tomorrow and beyond." – Old Irish Blessing
Why the name Feileacain?
A Butterfly lights besides us like a sunbeam.....
Many of the ancient civilizations believed that butterflies were symbols of the human soul, and in Irish mythology the butterflies, or ‘Féileacáin’, are said to be the spirits of the departed who return to visit their favourite place and their loved ones to reassure them that they are alright.
Up to the 1600s it was against common law in Ireland to kill a white butterfly because they were believed to hold the souls of dead children.
Universally it is believed that butterflies are the physical symbols of the human soul, and they have been held in love and awe. Native American legends tell that butterflies would carry wishes to the Great Spirit in heaven to be granted.
We have chosen the symbol of the butterflies for our organisation SANDAI to honour our children and to offer hope to other bereaved parents in their journey of loss.
Féileacáin Text Service
Up to the 1600s it was against common law in Ireland to kill a white butterfly because they were believed to hold the souls of dead children.
Universally it is believed that butterflies are the physical symbols of the human soul, and they have been held in love and awe. Native American legends tell that butterflies would carry wishes to the Great Spirit in heaven to be granted.
We have chosen the symbol of the butterflies for our organisation SANDAI to honour our children and to offer hope to other bereaved parents in their journey of loss.
Féileacáin Text Service
Feileacain's Objectives
Our objectives are...
- To host regular support meetings which allow bereaved families space and time to remember their baby.
- To offer a befriending service and support helpline.
- To offer support and provide a safe and confidential setting, in which those bereaved through stillbirth or neonatal death can share their experiences.
- To promote research into the causes of stillbirth and neonatal death and the effects of grief on the family.
- To work in co-operation with support services and other support organisations.
- To hold remembrance services and family events.
- To provide hospitals with our memory boxes to be given to bereaved families.
- To offer a befriending service and support helpline.
- To offer support and provide a safe and confidential setting, in which those bereaved through stillbirth or neonatal death can share their experiences.
- To promote research into the causes of stillbirth and neonatal death and the effects of grief on the family.
- To work in co-operation with support services and other support organisations.
- To hold remembrance services and family events.
- To provide hospitals with our memory boxes to be given to bereaved families.
