http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-899431.mp3
Macomb, IL – May 1 was World Labyrinth Day. Yes, there really is such a thing as World Labyrinth Day.
About a dozen people celebrated the occasion in Macomb. They took a guided tour of seven permanent and temporary labyrinths in town. Some of the stops included Chandler Park, Everly Park, and Horn Field Campus.
Chelsea Townsend of Macomb said she had never walked a labyrinth before so she came out to see what it was like.
"It's very relaxing," said Townsend. "It's not like a maze. You can't get lost in it because you just follow it. It works both sides of your mind but in a calming way."
Labyrinths are often circular. They contain a single walking path to the center. Some people consider them meditative.
Labyrinths are not designed to be difficult to navigate. They're different than mazes, which contain numerous paths and dead ends.
Labyrinths date back to ancient times. They've been found all over the world. Labyrinths appear as designs on pottery and are etched on the walls of caves and churches.
World Labyrinth Day is a project of The Labyrinth Society. The group says it's a day designated to bring people from all over the planet together in celebration of the labyrinth as a symbol, a passion, a practice, and a tool for healing and peace.