GREENFIELD — In honor of World Labyrinth Day, the Community Labyrinth Coalition invites residents to experience a sense of peace by walking the labyrinth on the lawn at the Episcopal Church of Saints James and Andrew on Saturday, May 6.

The international event, held annually on the first Saturday in May starting at 1 p.m., allows people around the globe to come together through a shared appreciation of labyrinths and the meditative experience they provide. The event encourages unity and world peace.

“A labyrinth is different from a maze,” noted Peter Massa, a volunteer with the Community Labyrinth Coalition. “A maze is like a challenge where you try to get out; a labyrinth is more calming.”

The Community Labyrinth Coalition is a local organization that aims to spread awareness about labyrinths and their meanings. Labyrinths are typically symbols of balance and meditation, and walking them can connect one with mind and body, Massa said.

“It’s a very personal thing,” Massa explained. “You walk it your own way.”

World Labyrinth Day was started in 2009 by The Labyrinth Society, an international group of labyrinth enthusiasts whose main goals are to support those who use labyrinths and to teach those who wish to learn about the meaning behind labyrinths.

The local Community Labyrinth Coalition’s celebration invites residents to walk the labyrinth on the church lawn and stop at an information box at the end to learn more about World Labyrinth Day. Their small organization, consisting of six to eight people, wishes to shine a light on labyrinths, especially local ones, and hopes to broaden its network of involved people across Franklin County, especially among youths.

“Members of the labyrinth team will be present to answer any questions,” Massa said.

When people know they’re walking a labyrinth at the same time as thousands of other people, it can be a very grounding experience, according to Maggie Sweeney, a founding member of the Community Labyrinth Coalition.

Sweeney noted that because the event takes place in the spring, it also symbolizes a new season and new energy.

“They can really help you get back down into your body and come out of the clouds,” she said of labyrinths.

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