Mazes have winding paths and are used for meditative and decorative purposes. They have been used for thousands of years and are found in many cultures and religions. The term maze was used in Greek and Roman times to describe a structure with confusing connecting passages. Labyrinths appeared in Christian churches and gardens during the medieval period. They were used by pilgrims and penitents for spiritual contemplation. Other religions also use labyrinths for meditation and spiritual purposes.
A maze is a complex series of winding paths, similar to a labyrinth, although slightly different in that it is usually not a puzzle. Instead, it forces the walker to follow a specific winding path. Mazes have been an important part of many cultures spiritually for thousands of years and have also been used to create decorative art in the form of earthwork mazes, hedge mazes, textile designs, pottery art and intricate floor patterns. Walking through one is usually understood as a meditative and contemplative act, and many religions, including Christianity, integrate walking meditation into their spiritual practices.
In Greek and Roman times, the term was used to indicate a structure that was partially underground and had a confusing series of connecting passages. In Greek mythology, one on the island of Crete was used to house the minotaur, a fearsome mythological creature that was part bull and part human. An annual sacrifice was made to the creature until Theseus arrived and successfully killed it. Theseus, in turn, was led out of the labyrinth by Ariadne, who laid out a trail of string for him to follow.
During the medieval period in Europe, labyrinths began appearing in Christian churches and formal gardens. Medieval ones represent some of the most elegant and extensive examples of the art form. Most classical gardens include at least one hedge maze or embankment for guests to wander through. In one with hedges, the plants will be trained to grow far above head height, so that the person inside is totally cut off from the outside world. Berm’s mazes are usually low to the ground, allowing a spectator to view the entire layout from above and walk through it if they wish.
In the Christian tradition, the labyrinths were traveled by pilgrims and penitents. Pilgrims walked it at the end of a journey to contemplate their experiences and reach a spiritual state of closure, while penitents crossed it on their knees while praying. Christian labyrinths tend to be arranged in four quadrants, suggestive of the shape of the cross. Several well-known churches, including Chartres Cathedral, have them in the floor.
Other religions also incorporate labyrinths into their spirituality. Buddhists take them in silent meditation and they are often arranged in sacred shapes that encourage contemplation and thoughtfulness. Spirals and meanders are two common shapes, because they are thought to contain immense spiritual power. These are usually found outdoors and can appear in a variety of shapes, including ones made of raked gravel or a series of complex channels.
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