A labyrinth is a complex series of winding paths, similar to a maze, although slightly different, because a labyrinth is usually not a puzzle. Instead, a labyrinth forces the walker to follow a specific serpentine path. Labyrinths have been an important part of many cultures spiritually for thousands of years, and have also been used to create decorative art in the form of earth berm labyrinths, hedge mazes, textile designs, ceramic art, and intricate floor patterns. Walking through a labyrinth is usually intended to be a meditative and contemplative act, and many religions, including Christianity, integrate walking meditation in labyrinths into their spiritual practices.

During Greek and Roman times, the term “labyrinth” was used to refer to a structure which was located partially underground and had a confusing series of connecting passages. In Greek mythology, a labyrinth on the island of Crete was used to house the minotaur, a fearsome mythological creature who was part bull and part human. An annual sacrifice was made to the minotaur until Theseus arrived and successfully killed him. Theseus, in turn, was led out of the labyrinth by Ariadne, who laid out a trail of string for him to follow.

During the medieval period in Europe, labyrinths started to appear in Christian churches as well as formal gardens. Medieval labyrinths represent some of the most elegant and extensive examples of the labyrinth art form. Most classical gardens include at least one hedge or berm labyrinth for guests to wander through. A traditional hedge labyrinth will be trained to grow far above head height, so that the person inside is totally cut off from the outside world. Berm labyrinths are usually low to the ground, allowing a viewer to see the layout of the entire labyrinth from above, and to walk it if he or she desires.

In Christian tradition, labyrinths were walked by pilgrims and penitents. Pilgrims would walk a labyrinth at the end of a journey to contemplate their experiences and reach a spiritual state of closure, while penitents would shuffle on their knees through a labyrinth while praying. Christian labyrinths tend to be laid out in four quadrants, suggestive of the shape of the cross. Several famous churches including Chartres Cathedral have labyrinths in their flooring.

Other religions also incorporate labyrinths into their spirituality. Buddhists walk labyrinths in silent meditation, and labyrinths are frequently laid out in sacred shapes which encourage contemplation and thoughtfulness. Spirals and meanders are two common shapes used in spiritual labyrinths, because these shapes are thought to hold immense spiritual power. These labyrinths are usually outdoors, and can appear in a variety of forms, including raked gravel labyrinths, or a series of complex canals.