Posted on 02/19/2018 4:40:20 PM PST by SunkenCiv
Exact purpose of these ancient stone constructions is unknown. The main assumption is that they, perhaps, symbolized a border between the world we live in and the world of spirits. Labyrinths were used for rituals to help souls to cross over to the other world. Other hypothesis is that labyrinths, perhaps, served as fishing traps. However, the major flaw in this argument is that many labyrinths have been found inland throughout the world...
After entering a labyrinth and circle several times around the center, you leave it through the same entrance. Just after several turns it becomes unclear how much you have walked and how much more to walk. Subjectively, the time stops, but by watch the great labyrinth is passed in 15 minutes. It is difficult to be distracted; the path is narrow and you are required to look permanently underfoot. The path is twisting clockwise and counterclockwise. At last – the exit; and you are happy that the journey is over...
It is possible to assume that both the psychological and the physical state of ancient people, was the main purpose for conducting rituals in the labyrinths. These ritualistic forms of preparations were necessary for increasing the level of physical activity and concentration. These qualities were necessary for hunting sea animals, fishing, and long sea trips in the cold and dangerous White Sea. It is also worth noting that musical accompaniment, ritual dances, and often psychotropic action, were obligatory elements of many rituals. These elements repeatedly strengthened the attained effect. Labyrinths were also used by Shamans to increase their own activity. This means that the Shamans were entering into the different states of consciousness.
(Excerpt) Read more at weirdrussia.com ...
possibly related to traditional Sami religion.
https://blogmymaze.wordpress.com/2017/04/23/how-did-the-russian-labyrinths-babylons-originate/
Not my fault, I swear it.
If I went there and skipped around the circle, could I tell people that I danced at the Bolshoi?
#6 is the map.
Atlantian amusement park. There, mystery solved.
Sacred Shaman rituals? Really? Researchers always seem to overthink and come up with wild hypotheses for things that were most likely just amusements for children or entertainments.
Let’s try this link.
http://weirdrussia.com/2015/05/16/mysterious-stone-labyrinths-of-bolshoi-zayatsky-island/
Ping
Made for the Stonehenge Dwarfs.
Yeah, otther than just stepping over all the barriers until you’re out. ;^)
Here is an article on Northern European turf mazes. (Much better on the knees if you happen to fall down.)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turf_maze
“Because many English examples follow the same medieval pattern used for pavement mazes in cathedrals elsewhere in Europe (most notably Chartres), it is often said they were used by penitents who would follow the paths on hands and knees, but there seems to be no documentary evidence for this. Some turf maze sites were close to religious establishments such as churches or abbeys, but others were not.
Some mazes were on village greens and were much used for entertainment by children and youths, particularly on “high days and holidays”. The maze at Alkborough was used in the early 19th century for May Eve games; at Boughton Green “treading the maze” was part of a three-day fair, held between June 24—26 near the (now-ruined) church of St John the Baptist, to mark the vigil of its patron saint.
Large turf mazes in Germany and Poland were used for processions at Whitsuntide or as part of May celebrations.”
Nice picture of a turf maze here.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turf_maze#/media/File:Alkborough_Turf_Maze.jpg
Forgot to include you in the reply to the above!
Thanks. They’re pagan in origin, some of the hillforts which were not actually forts were cut with a maze pattern for the ascent. Like other things, they were kept around as good public relations as Europe was converted. My Christian Reformed 2nd grade teacher had her students put on a Maypole each year.
I can also remember going around a maypole in grade school. (I got tangled up in crepe paper as I danced around.)
A link to another article on Scandinavian rock mazes. The purpose seems to be a bit better known than the ones in Russia.
http://freya.theladyofthelabyrinth.com/?page_id=356
The ritual hero enters the maze and rescues the lady. I suppose this is a test and lesson to young men and women.
As always the hard part comes in the 50 years of living after she wins him!
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