Leaving North America to return to Europe, we find labyrinths scattered across all the countries and in a wide variety of places. Ancient standing stones, similar to those of Stonehenge but not as formally constructed, that stand sentinel over various tombs and other, formally, sacred grounds, are emblazoned with labyrinths.
Tales that talk about Bards having to travel inside the earth and successfully find their way out again are merely a dramatic means of depicting the journey of self awareness and growth that all artists experience in some manner.
Given the ritual nature of the Druidic culture, it's possible that the image of the labyrinth and perception-altering herbs were used in tandem to facilitate that journey of self-awareness. This process is similar to that utilized by the shaman of some South American peoples for the same purpose, lending credence to tales of these events taking place.
Even if we dismiss some of the more fanciful associations given to labyrinths that come down to us from the pre-Christian era, the concept of "the journey" came down through the years. Many of the most famous labyrinths in existence today can be found in churches and cathedrals built in the medieval period.
Like the Hopi interpretation, these early Christian designs signified the path one would take from ones birth (entrance) to finding God (the centre). Adhering to the path ordained by the church would ensure your salvation just as certainly as following the lines laid out in the floor would take you to the centre of the pattern. There is also a case to be made that the Church co-opted this concept from its predecessors in order to ease worshipers of the old ways into the fold.
Whether they were walking the path of the labyrinth to come closer to their God or were utilizing it to gain a better understanding of themselves and their place in creation, everybody understood this symbol to have a similar meaning and function. It is unfortunate that it did not retain its position of importance in Europe.
Perhaps it was due to its very universal nature, and because it was a reminder of pre-Christian times, the church felt threatened by its continued use. Perhaps as people began to turn their faces outwards from their personal domains and look to expand their holdings, they became less concerned about, or even more to the point, desired it less, looking inwards.
Article comments
1 - SonnyD
I've always been fascinated by labyrinths but never realized their use was so wide-spread. Especially the part about American Indian use. Learn something new every day. Thanks.
I have to wonder, though, if you might have titled this piece something like, "Symbols, Do They Unite or Divide Us?" At least, it seemed to me to be the point you were making.
2 - Scot Butki
We have a labryinth at my church which we talk - kids and adults - for relaxation and peace.It's very cool. I'm pretty clueless on this topic, though, and appreciate you educating us on it.