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The Middle Ages showed a renewed
interest in labyrinths and a design more complex than the classical
seven-circuit labyrinth became popular.
This was an eleven-circuit
design divided into four quadrants. It was often found in Gothic Cathedrals
but over time many of these eleven-circuit designs were destroyed or
intentionally removed.
The most famous of these
remaining labyrinths is at Chartres Cathedral near Paris, France. The
labyrinth at Chartres was built around 1200 and is laid into the floor in a
style sometimes referred to as a pavement maze. The original center piece
has been removed and other areas of the labyrinth have been restored.
This labyrinth was meant to be
walked but is reported to be infrequently used today. In the past it could
be walked as a pilgrimage and/or for repentance. As a pilgrimage it was a
questing, searching journey with the hope of becoming closer to God. When
used for repentance the pilgrims would walk on their knees. Sometimes this
eleven-circuit labyrinth would serve as a substitute for an actual
pilgrimage to Jerusalem and as a result came to be called the "Chemin de
Jerusalem" or Road of Jerusalem.
In walking the Chartres style
labyrinth the walker meanders through each of the four quadrants several
times before reaching the goal. An expectancy is created as to when the
center will be reached. At the center is a rosette design which has a rich
symbolic value including that of enlightenment. The four arms of the cross
are readily visible and provide significant Christian symbolism. |
