Definition

• a winding spiral path leading to a central area



Labyrinths compared with mazes

• Mazes are a type of

  1

  puzzle
  

-

- the word 'maze' is derived from a word meaning a feeling of

• Labyrinths represent a journey through life

- they have frequently been used in



Early examples of the labyrinth spiral

• Ancient carvings on

  5

  stone
   have been found across many cultures

• The Pima, a Native American tribe, wove the symbol on baskets

• Ancient Greeks used the symbol on

  6

  coins
  



Walking labyrinths

• The largest surviving example of a turf labyrinth once had a big

  7

  tree
   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

  8

  breathing
   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