Mazes
From Maze
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| − | ===Hedgerow Mazes=== | + | ===Hedgerow & Turd Mazes=== |
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| − | The oldest of the "Turf mazes" or "turf labyrinths" that appeared in England about the beginning of the eighteenth-century and develop into a ever-evolving part of the maze landscape. | ||
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| − | Scholars tangle over whether the turf mazes are modeled after the Church ones or vice versa. In Mazes and Labyrinths of the World, Janet Bord writes, "there is reason to believe that there were mazes in stone and turf long before the mediaeval church builders began incorporating them in their designs" (13). Among other pieces of evidence, she mentions the mazes near ancient sites: St. Catherine's Hill, Winchester, Breamore maze near Celtic fields and the maze at Wing in Rutland (13). On the other hand, Kern points to the striking similiarities between the turf mazes and the church pattern, particularly that of Chartres. | ||
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| − | Kern traces their history: "It is likely that strains of various traditions converged in turf labyrinths. The original pagan constructions were probably linked to Scandinavian Troy towns and spring rites. Beginning in the 13th century, the design was subjected to a Christian interpretation and installed in churches. During the Reformation, the earlier pagan meanings surfaced once again, soon thereafter to be channeled into harmless popular festivals, and eventually lost." (168) | ||
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Shakespeare's the Temptest: | Shakespeare's the Temptest: | ||
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For lack of tread are undistinguishable. (2.1.98-100) | For lack of tread are undistinguishable. (2.1.98-100) | ||
| + | Called "mizmazes" in the south of England, the oldest of the "Turf mazes" or "turf labyrinths" that appeared in England about the beginning of the eighteenth-century and develop into a ever-evolving part of the maze landscape. These mazes also went other the nameof "Troy-towns," which some bring to another Ancient movement | ||
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| + | Scholars tangle over whether the turf mazes are modeled after the Church ones or vice versa. In Mazes and Labyrinths of the World, Janet Bord writes, "there is reason to believe that there were mazes in stone and turf long before the mediaeval church builders began incorporating them in their designs" (13). Among other pieces of evidence, she mentions the mazes near ancient sites: St. Catherine's Hill, Winchester, Breamore maze near Celtic fields and the maze at Wing in Rutland (13). On the other hand, Kern points to the striking similiarities between the turf mazes and the church pattern, particularly that of Chartres. | ||
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| + | Kern traces their history: "It is likely that strains of various traditions converged in turf labyrinths. The original pagan constructions were probably linked to Scandinavian Troy towns and spring rites. Beginning in the 13th century, the design was subjected to a Christian interpretation and installed in churches. During the Reformation, the earlier pagan meanings surfaced once again, soon thereafter to be channeled into harmless popular festivals, and eventually lost." (168) | ||
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These turf mazes find stone parallels in Troy towns, "labyrinthine stone patterns arranged on open fields, many of which are found in Sweden, Finland, Artic Russia, and Germany" (Kern 167). | These turf mazes find stone parallels in Troy towns, "labyrinthine stone patterns arranged on open fields, many of which are found in Sweden, Finland, Artic Russia, and Germany" (Kern 167). | ||
In spite of their connections to church mazes, the "turf maze" has much stronger pagan roots, likely parts of Spring rites. | In spite of their connections to church mazes, the "turf maze" has much stronger pagan roots, likely parts of Spring rites. | ||
| + | The taller cousins of the turf mazes are the hedge-row mazes. | ||
Louis XIV's hedge maze featured 39 fountains and "cost the equivalent of more than three million dollars to build" (Pickover 16). | Louis XIV's hedge maze featured 39 fountains and "cost the equivalent of more than three million dollars to build" (Pickover 16). | ||
| − | Sir Christopher Wren's hedge maze in Hampton Court. | + | One of the most well-known mazes grew in Hampton Court Palace in London attributed to Sir Christopher Wren that may date back to the time of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, its first occupant (Kern 261). Presenting roughly half a mile of path, the maze has been the subject of literature. Miller writes of it: "It may be a a sad sight to the 'highbrows' of horticulture, but to the unsophisticated many it is a never-failing source of merriment" (129). He describes the maze as an "undiluted delight" to "scores of hundred of children, not to mention a fair sprinkling of their elders" (129). |
| − | "Mizmaze" is the name for these popular in the south of England. | ||
Uses of mazes: | Uses of mazes: | ||
| − | Treading of The Shepherd's Ring or "Sheperhd's Race" at Boughton Green, in Northamptnshire, "Was a popular event in the thre-day fiar held every June" (49). | + | Treading of The Shepherd's Ring or "Sheperhd's Race" at Boughton Green, in Northamptnshire, "Was a popular event in the three-day fair held every June" (49). |
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===Mazes in Puzzlebooks=== | ===Mazes in Puzzlebooks=== | ||
The oldest depiction of a maze, which is also a maze, dates back to 1200 B.C., according to Kern. However, the phenomena of maze puzzle-books is considerably more contemporary. | The oldest depiction of a maze, which is also a maze, dates back to 1200 B.C., according to Kern. However, the phenomena of maze puzzle-books is considerably more contemporary. | ||
