Article and photo: Michele Simms, Shetland Parish Development Worker, Church of Scotland
This Saturday at 1pm people will walk an ancient path at Bridge End Kirk, Burra at the launch of a labyrinth in the community garden. The event coincides with World Labyrinth Day, an annual event sponsored by The Labyrinth Society to “walk as one at 1” local time to create a global rolling wave of meditation / prayer for peace and in celebration of the labyrinth experience.
Parish Development Worker, Michele Simms, says, ‘A labyrinth is a spiritual tool with a long tradition. Walked slowly and intentionally, it reduces stress, calms the mind and opens the heart. It is a single pathway, turning and curving upon itself in a pattern around a central point. A labyrinth is different from a maze. There are no dead ends or wrong turnings, simply the one path that will always lead you to the centre and out again. You enter a maze to lose yourself and a labyrinth to find yourself and God.’
Evidence of labyrinths can be found in most major civilizations across the continents and down through history, from ancient Egyptian times to the earliest Christian labyrinth dating from the fourth century AD in Algeria. Today, labyrinths are again being created to offer a space for prayer and reflection providing a stilling space in a busy world. Walking a labyrinth is like making a pilgrimage and in medieval times it was a practical, accessible option for those unable to make the arduous journey to popular sites throughout Europe and the Middle East. They featured in the floors of the great European cathedrals, most famously Chartres in France. The first grass example was in Essex in 1699…. and now the latest is here in Burra!
The creation of the Bridge End labyrinth was the idea of Marjorie Williamson in the development of the outdoor space around the kirk. She says, ‘I was inspired by one I saw at Hadrian’s Wall. We want to create a community space for all ages to enjoy and to reflect in.’ The garden is constructed using recycled materials and has picnic and BBQ areas with more facilities planned. It is transformed into a Winter Wonderland each Christmas and has been created with the help of the community and local businesses.
All are welcome to walk the labyrinth and enjoy the garden this Saturday with refreshments from 11am. The garden is open for all at any time and the foyer of the kirk is open most days with self-service hot drinks & toilet facilities.
This article is written by Michele Simms, Shetland Parish Development Worker, Presbytery of the North East and the Northern Isles, the Church of Scotland.
Photo credit: Michele Simms.