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.
