World Labyrinth Day will be celebrated with a community labyrinth walk on the grounds of First Church, 12 South Main Street, West Hartford Center on May 2.

By Ginny Vocelli, contributions by Joy Taylor

Eleven-circuit labyrinth at First Church West Hartford, 12 South Main Street, West Hartford. Photo by Paul Truebig

A Community Labyrinth Walk will be held on Saturday, May 2, from noon – 3 p.m., at First Church in West Hartford Center. In celebration of World Labyrinth Day, the community (all ages) will be welcomed to walk the labyrinth on the front lawn, make labyrinth crafts, enjoy the music of the Jolly Beggars, and sample delicious refreshments. Labyrinths have an ancient history and are found all over the world and in all cultures.

West Hartford residents and visitors have not just one but two opportunities to walk outdoor labyrinths right in town. The First Church labyrinth is based on the classic eleven-circuit labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral, France – a labyrinth which has been in use for over 800 years. The labyrinth has only one path so there are no tricks to it and no dead ends. The same path leads into the center and out again.

The other local labyrinth is at Holy Family Retreat Center at 303 Tunxis Rd., and is open daily to the public.

At the center of the labyrinth at the Holy Family Retreat Center, there is a circular sculpture created by master stonemason Dan Sieracki. Photo by Joy Taylor

Walking labyrinths are thought to enhance right brain activity.

Uses include problem solving, conflict resolution, meditation and stress management.

The community is welcome to experience the First Church labyrinth on World Labyrinth Day.

“Solvitur Ambulando.  It is solved by walking.” For more information please call 860-233-9605 or www.whfirstchurch.org.