THE EVOLUTION OF CHURCH LABYRINTHS
A New Pattern Was Illustrated in Manuscripts
Although church labyrinths are based on the ancient 7-circuit
pattern,they were considerably changed in order to incorporate
specifically Christian symbolism. The first change was to make
it round, as the circle is a sign of the eternal and the divine.
The earliest design, dating from the eighth century, was called
the Otfrid pattern, named after a German bishop. To the right
is an Otfrid labyrinth from a manuscript. In the center is a
portrayal of the Greek myth of Theseus slaying the Minotaur.
Christian manuscripts and labyrinths frequently portrayed or
alluded to this Greek myth.
A Wall Labyrinth
One of the first Christian stone labyrinths (below) was carved
into the wall at the entrance to Lucca Cathedral in Italy in the
12th century. This also made reference to the Greek myth, and
the fact that Theseus was saved by the thread given to him by
Ariadne. That thread, the key to salvation, was seen as a
metaphor for the teachings of the church.
Floor Labyrinths
Several small floor labyrinths were built
in Italy, but labyrinths large enough to
walk originated in France. The first one
may have been in the Cathedral of Sens
in the 12th century. It no longer exists,
but there are three different drawings
presuming toillustrate the design (shown
below).
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CHARTRES CATHEDRAL
Mostof the Gothic cathedrals originally had labyrinths, although only one from the 13th century still remains
– the one in Chartres Cathedral, France. It was such an elegant version of the labyrinth that it became the
model for most church labyrinths thereafter. Some people visit Chartres Cathedral and never notice the
labyrinth, which is usually covered with chairs. The labyrinth was one of the first elements in the cathedral
to be completed, in the year 1201.
This magnificent photograph is the work of Sonia Halliday, copyrighted by Pitkin Guides in England.
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MODERN CHURCH LABYRINTHS
Amiens Cathedral, France
The original labyrinth made in
1289 was destroyed in 1825,
then rebuilt in 1895. Made of
black and white tile, it has the
same path arrangement as in
Chartres, except that the shape
is octagonal rather than round.
The entire floor in Amiens
Cathedralis covered with intricate patterns, of which the
labyrinth is just one. The path
consists of the black tiles.
ecarG
Cathedral (Episcopal), San Francisco
The Rev. Lauren Artress, canon of special ministries at Grace
Cathedral, has been instrumental in the rediscovery of the
labyrinth by churches. Grace Cathedral has two Chartres-style
labyrinths. Pictured here is the outdoor terrazzo labyrinth, from
which there is an expansive view of San Francisco. Indoors is a
beautiful carpet labyrinth. More than a million people have
walked the Grace Cathedral labyrinths since 1991.
Canvas Labyrinths
Many churches use canvas labyrinths, which can be rolled up
and put away when not in use. Labyrinth Enterprises has
produced more than 700 canvas labyrinths since 1995. The
Chartres design (right) is shown here in the Art Deco gymnasium which
serves as the
Labyrinth
Enterprises
studio.
Outdoor Labyrinths
Members of the Episcopal Church in St. Charles, Illinois
(near Chicago), built their labyrinth by laying out granite
paving stones and then filling in between them with sand.
Labyrinth Enterprises is a respected consultant for churches
and architects with regards to labyrinth design and
construction.
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LABYRINTH DEDICATIONS
New labyrinths are usually dedicated at
special services. Although the Bible doesn’t
contain the word labyrinth, it does have
references to walking, and paths, and the
way. The labyrinth is seen as a metaphor for
our path through life or for our spiritual
quest. Although the route is circuitous, if we
stay the course, we will arrive at our goal.
Top: John Ranello’s labyrinth being dedicated,
along with his labyrinth ministry itself (Sacred
Fitness), in Dallas, Texas.
Right: The labyrinth dedication at the Unitarian
Universalist Congregationin Arlington, Virginia.
They have a model labyrinth program, with a
large committee and many activities.
Left: The dedication of the
Cathedral Labyrinth and Sacred
Garden in New Harmony, Indiana,
in 1998. At the podium for the
dedication is Francois Legaux, who
was at that time rector of Chartres
Cathedral (since retired).
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