Labyrinths
Definition
● a winding spiral path leading to a central area
Labyrinths compared with mazes
● Mazes are a type of
-
is needed to navigate through a maze
- the word 'maze' is derived from a word meaning a feeling of
● Labyrinths represent a journey through life
- they have frequently been used in
and prayer
Early examples of the labyrinth spiral
● Ancient carvings on
have been found across many cultures
● The Pima, a Native American tribe, wove the symbol on baskets
● Ancient Greeks used the symbol on
Walking labyrinths
● The largest surviving example of a turf labyrinth once had a big
at its centre
Labyrinths nowadays
● Believed to have a beneficial impact on mental and physical health, e.g., walking a maze can reduce a person's
rate
● Used in medical and health and fitness settings and also prisons
● Popular with patients, visitors and staff in hospitals
- patients who can't walk can use 'finger labyrinths' made from
- research has shown that Alzheimer's sufferers experience less