The symbol of the old Egyptian Ankh is one of the most familiar hieroglyphics from the history of Egypt. When it comes to its appearance it is reminiscent of the symbol of the cross that is supposed to represent Christianity with the only difference as a loop above the top bar.
The origin of the popular Egyptian Ankh is explained through lots of legendary tales and philosophical theories. Though a few describe that it symbolizes sex, other theories explain that it depicts a complicated bow tied up like the knot of Isis.
Hieroglyphics or the Egyptian scripts describe the Ankh symbol in depth. Some explanations give a detailed picture of the lower part of the Ankh. In fact the lower portion is partitioned to form the two ends of a bow.
The earliest samples of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics actually depict the Ankh as being separated from the ends. This is the reason why Egyptologists believe that originally the symbol must have had some of religious significance as a knot.
Although historians have not been able to reach an absolute conclusion regarding the origins of the symbol of the Ankh, there is no confusion about what it represents. In its essence the Egyptian symbol is meant to represent life. That is why many ancient Egyptian deities have been depicted carrying the symbol of the Ankh in their hands symbolizing life.
In some of the hieroglyphics, a king with an Ankh over his lips is pictured, and it is said to be symbolic of the 'breath of life'. Deeper studies reveal that this Egyptian Ankh really provides a symbolic expression of air and water which are mandatory for the existence of life.
Historians have also been able to find numerous anthropomorphic pictures from ancient Egypt. In these pictures the ankh is shown with an ostrich feather fan which is composed as the backdrop of the picture with the Pharaoh in front of it. This kind of pictures illustrate a variant meaning of the symbol.
Another exclusive manner in which the symbol has been represented was in the form of chains wherein which a number of Ankh symbols are consecutively linked to one another. Such patterns are generally depicted on water vessels through which water is being poured thereby denoting the power of water. Archaeologists have also been able to find instances of libation vessels that were really created in the form of the Ankh symbol and used for religious ceremonies.
The significance of this unique symbol can be seen in the fact that many different everyday use objects were purposely created in the form of the symbol. This included all sorts of items ranging from those that were typically used in royal and religious ceremonies whereas on the other hand the common man would also have a number of items either made in the shape of the symbol or carrying a pattern or print of the symbol. The list of items that were commonly seen in the shape of the Ankh symbol included mirrors, sistrums, spoons and other crockery items.
The origin of the popular Egyptian Ankh is explained through lots of legendary tales and philosophical theories. Though a few describe that it symbolizes sex, other theories explain that it depicts a complicated bow tied up like the knot of Isis.
Hieroglyphics or the Egyptian scripts describe the Ankh symbol in depth. Some explanations give a detailed picture of the lower part of the Ankh. In fact the lower portion is partitioned to form the two ends of a bow.
The earliest samples of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics actually depict the Ankh as being separated from the ends. This is the reason why Egyptologists believe that originally the symbol must have had some of religious significance as a knot.
Although historians have not been able to reach an absolute conclusion regarding the origins of the symbol of the Ankh, there is no confusion about what it represents. In its essence the Egyptian symbol is meant to represent life. That is why many ancient Egyptian deities have been depicted carrying the symbol of the Ankh in their hands symbolizing life.
In some of the hieroglyphics, a king with an Ankh over his lips is pictured, and it is said to be symbolic of the 'breath of life'. Deeper studies reveal that this Egyptian Ankh really provides a symbolic expression of air and water which are mandatory for the existence of life.
Historians have also been able to find numerous anthropomorphic pictures from ancient Egypt. In these pictures the ankh is shown with an ostrich feather fan which is composed as the backdrop of the picture with the Pharaoh in front of it. This kind of pictures illustrate a variant meaning of the symbol.
Another exclusive manner in which the symbol has been represented was in the form of chains wherein which a number of Ankh symbols are consecutively linked to one another. Such patterns are generally depicted on water vessels through which water is being poured thereby denoting the power of water. Archaeologists have also been able to find instances of libation vessels that were really created in the form of the Ankh symbol and used for religious ceremonies.
The significance of this unique symbol can be seen in the fact that many different everyday use objects were purposely created in the form of the symbol. This included all sorts of items ranging from those that were typically used in royal and religious ceremonies whereas on the other hand the common man would also have a number of items either made in the shape of the symbol or carrying a pattern or print of the symbol. The list of items that were commonly seen in the shape of the Ankh symbol included mirrors, sistrums, spoons and other crockery items.
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Ancient Egyptian Necklaces are seeing an increase in popularity. If you're thinking about making a purchase you should have a read of our post about Ancient Egyptian Tattoos.