Anglican Labyrinths in Nelson

Symbols carry so much weight in our society. Should you have any doubt, just consider the significance of the golden arches, or the sign with a tent and red slash on it – no camping – we have seen a few of these along the way here in NZ, but have failed to heed them just as often! 

It is interesting to see the symbols that do recur in popular and fast food culture, be it McDonald’s, Burger King, or KFC, the latter being the one American chain in which we have indulged since being here in kiwiland. The symbols that recur in Christian churches include icons, altars, crosses and crucifixes, but this is the first time that I have ever encountered a labyrinth in a Christian context. The concept apparently reaches far back into the Middle Ages, when it was a popular means of meditation.

Squatting at the point that forms the beginning and end of the labyrinth. As compared to a maze there are no dead ends, such that one walks to the center then turns and exits from whence one came. Great for meditation, and an intriguing relic from Church history.

I found the exercise extremely settling and was able to simply let all of my thoughts go, considering only the items of utmost importance in my mind.

The church in which this lay was set on the top of a high point in the city of Nelson on the South Island. The day that we arrived to the city, we were immediately drawn to the gothic-looking cathedral, and so set out our groceries on the side of the hill. As we prepared sandwiches and consumed some beverages, wouldn’t you know it, but a whole wedding party converged upon us! We were of course looking quite shabby after several consecutive days of camping and they dressed to the hilt for the big day. We immediately offered to move, as they planned to photograph at the big tree right near us, but they assured us that we were fine, and with kiwi hospitality encouraged us to stay right where we were. Absolutely amazing!

Side view of the Anglican Church where we passed the afternoon of 15-Jan.

The rest of the afternoon would have passed lazily there, but for the incessant bells that rang in the tower and inhibited us catching up on sleep. However from that moment we were infatuated with the small city, which hostel – the Palace Backpackers – became our home for the next four days, and which people were very kind and formed a beautiful setting for Daniel’s birthday on 17-Jan. We left finally on 18-January.

Carrie sits on the bed in our room at the Palace Backpackers – Nelson NZ. Highly recommended with more pictures and videos from our experiences there to come!

By far though, the most memorable moment in the city was the Cathedral and its labyrinth, and I find myself hearkening back to the thoughts of that time ever more as we continue along the at times crazy and wild track we follow through NZ!