Labyrinths have held significance for many cultures around the world for thousands of years, appearing as a symbol in a mythology, a protective image on doorways and buildings, as well as processionary pathways in places of worship and on remote islands, hilltops and headlands. They have also appeared in playgrounds and community gathering places, and their elegant designs have ensured widespread popularity for decorative purposes throughout history. While their uses and forms may vary, they have clearly inspired the imagination in a way that ensured that they are included in many places of cultural significance.

In recent times they have undergone a significant revival and found a renewed purpose as places for spiritual and religious experience, reflection, and interaction. Many report that walking a labyrinth quietens the mind and brings a positive sense of wellbeing, as well as a connection to countless others who have walked or traced the path of the labyrinth in the past. They are often included in educational curricula in diverse subjects including mathematics and geometry, history and geography, anthropology, and the creative arts. The creation of a labyrinth can also build community, as evidenced by many inner city and urban installations and they continue to appeal to artists, architects, educators, landscapers, and writers alike.