(The Actual Meaning And History )
Ankh symbol meaning
The Ankh is one of Egypt’s most ancient symbols . It is an Egyptian hieroglyph that means “ life “ ( nh = Ankh ) and was often found in paintings in ancient tombs .
The tyet known as the knot of Isis , or “ girdle of Isis “ has a similar meaning , which is “ life “ .
Some scholars regard the Ankh as a sign of protection because tyet amulets were placed at the neck of mummies to invoke the protection of Isis .
Another meaning was derived during the Middle Kingdom , as the word ‘ nkh’ also meant “ mirror “ . This supports the belief that ancient Egyptians had , that the afterlife was a mirror reflection of life on earth .
Victor Loret , a 19th century Egyptologist theorized that the Ankh was a handheld mirror but this was later disproved by many ancient drawings depicting the Ankh being held by the loop , with fingers going through the loop itself .
Despite these conflicting theories about its actual meaning , the Ankh is now universally accepted to mean life .
Also known as the Egyptian Cross , the Ankh also resembles another ancient Egyptian symbol , the “ tyet “ .
(The importance of the Ankh )
Because of the belief that the Ankh symbol represents both life on earth and the afterlife, many Egyptian gods , especially the goddess Isis , are often shown holding the Ankh to represent their liveliness and immortality .
The loop at the top of the symbol reinforces the belief that it represents eternal life because the loop has neither no beginning and no end .
Artworks found in tombs , show the gods handing the Ankh to pharaohs or holding it up to the nose of the deceased, signifying breathing in life . For instance, the sun -god Horus offering the Ankh to pharaoh Ramesses II .
This belief in the afterlife is why the Ankh was often added to the sarcophagi of pharaohs as a sign of the Gods giving eternal life to the deceased royalty. It served as the key to the gates of death and beyond . There are many statues of pharaohs clutching the Ankh in each hand , with the arms crossed over their chest .
Some people viewed this symbol as representing the womb of a woman... considering that the womb of the mother is the beginning of the source of life .
What religion does the Ankh represent?
While the Ankh is presently seen as a harmless universal symbol in all cultures and religions , historians say it was once adopted by Egypt’s Coptic Christians in the 4th century AD .
Over the years ,the Ankh later lost the loop and became the Christian cross we see today.
They regarded it as a symbol of Christ’s promise of eternal life through his death and resurrection .
The Ankh symbol in the modern world :
Many centuries later , the Ankh symbol or key of life continues to be widely accepted as a symbol of life and is commonly seen in jewellery and art .
Ancient Egyptians wore amulets and pendants with the sacred symbol , and such jewellery is still in fashion today , made popular by celebrities .
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