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