Mazes are the sneaky cousin of the more well-known labyrinths, and it is a maze which will trick you and leave you wandering for a goodly amount of time, should you take a wrong turn. Labyrinths on the other hand, have only one path in, and one path out again.
In Europe, mazes have been very popular throughout the centuries, and those found outside of people’s homes were called turf mazes, mizmazes, Troy Towns or even the Walls of Troy. The origin of the name Troy being used through ancient history is likely based on the legend that the city of Troy was built in such a convoluted fashion, that most enemies who entered into it found it nearly impossible to leave again. The name is found again and again in historic texts.
1. Dole Plantation Pineapple Maze, Oahu, Hawaii
This maze has been documented in the Guinness Book of Records as being the largest maze in the world, as of 2008. Here, visitors will certainly spend several hours of fun traversing the curving pathways and numerous dead ends, within the Dole Plantation Pineapple Maze. The stunning scents and scenery were created by using over 14 000 different Hawaiian plants, and in the centre of the maze, visible from the air, is the image of a giant pineapple.
2. Vermont Corn Maze, North Danville, Vermont
The Vermont Corn Maze is suitably “corn-founding” and unique in the sense it is re-created in different patterns every year, and opens to visitors from August until mid-October. There are several acres of pathways to navigate, and the corn usually averages 3 – 5 metres by the beginning of September. Remember to bring along some lunch and water, as snacks are offered on-site, but lunch is not. While here, enjoy the picturesque views afforded by the hilltop setting.
3. Ashcombe Rose Maze, Australia
The very first maze in the world to be created with roses was Ashcombe Maze and Lavendar Gardens in Victoria, Australia. Here, over 1200 rose bushes mark out the path, and were chosen specifically for their scent and bright colours displayed throughout spring, summer, and autumn. There is also an on-site hedge maze, as well as a lavender labyrinth, so visitors are advised to arrive early and start with whichever maze or labyrinth they fancy first.
4. Troy Town, St. Agnes, Isles of Scilly
This surviving turf maze is believed to date back to the 17th century, and its origin is attributed to the son of a lighthouse keeper, who created it by using rocks, not by cutting an image into the grass. It is believed that these smaller stone mazes, found predominantly in coastal areas, were employed by fishermen hoping to prevent ill luck occurring while out at sea. Tales handed down from generation to generation state: the captain of the fishing vessel would entice mischievous spirits to follow him into the centre of the maze. Once there, the Captain would make a hasty retreat and set sail, hoping that the spirits would be trapped within the centre still, and be unable to wreak havoc on the boat.
5. An Ancient Maze
Based on Welsh tradition, Troy Towns were referred to as Caerdroia – combing the word for Fort and Troy – and were used as dancing grounds, with the small hillock in the middle of the maze being used as a gathering point. Through the use of modern re-imaging, it seems to confirm that the Glastonbury Tor conforms to the ancient patterns used to create spiral mizmazes. Interestingly, it is believed that there are tunnels under the Tor; though no one is certain how to gain access to these.
Tips:
To avoid getting lost, most people use the guideline of taking every right turn in, and every left turn out, but not alternating between those two before they reach the centre. This helps prevent aimless wandering.
South Africa also has a number of mazes to explore, such as the Honeydew Maze in Gauteng. Here, you can plan a family trip and spend a day or two exploring their lush grounds, find the five secret gardens, and depending what time of year you go, explore the winter Maize Maze, or in summer, the Elemental maze. If you’re looking for accommodation, Whara-Whara Guest house is literally around the corner from them.
Let us know which mazes you’ve explored, and which ones you’d like to see.
Main image credited to GrahamPics1 (Flickr)
