The Ankh is a familiar emblem seen as ankh charms, on ornamental objects, on T shirts and numerous other places in today's world. It is looks like the Christian cross but bears a loop above the cross bar. The ankh's origins are still a mystery but it's meaning is apparent. It is the Egyptian symbol for 'everlasting life' and is seen in ornamental pieces and on domestic objects found in their tombs, which were either formed as an ankh or decorated with this symbol.
The Origins of the Ankh
There are various speculations with regard to it's origins ranging from a tie used on ritual or religious clothes, a a stylised strap of a sandal. The most prevalent theory is that it represents an intricate bow with the lower part being the ends of the bow, as it is usually comprised of two parts. The ankh is carried in statues of the Gods of Egypt and unmistakably stands for life in these images. It's repeatedly shown being offered to a king as a figurative 'breath of life' and ankhs were often painted as flowing in chains from sacred water vessels also as a symbol the ankh's life giving abilities. Vessels used as water containers in religious ceremonies were time and again fashioned in the shape of an ankh.
A Symbol of Life
As a symbol of life it was also seen as a symbol of fruitfulness, life in the generations to come. An alternative name used for the ankh is the Key of the Nile and as such represents the unification of Isis and Osiris, which was thought to begin the annual Nile flooding, so essential to the Ancient Egyptians. Many Egyptian gods and goddesses were depicted with an ankh in their hands, frequently in two hands crossed over the chest as seen in a statue of Osiris or a sceptre and ankh in each hand as Hathor, Isis, Anibus, Sobek, Tefnut and several more are often shown. The symbol also embodies life in the afterworld and the dead may be referred to as ankhu and neb-ankh is the name for a sarcophagus.
Mirrors especially, but also other household objects, were frequently made in the shape of an ankh and it was also the word for mirror. A gilded mirror casing was found in the tomb of Tutankhamun and musical instruments such as sistrums and spoons were also made in this shape.
The Use of the Ankh in the Modern World
These days the ankh is widely used as an ornamental sign, it's use ranging from pop culture in America to an image signifying spiritual values. In the 1970's it was a popular symbol used by the hippies as an affirmation of life and contempt for the materialism of the times. It is connected in Gothic culture with vampires and has appeared in numerous films about vampires.
Whether you wear an ankh for it's purely ornamental affect or for a deep, more spiritual significance it's an established and treasured symbol that can be seen in fine gold and silver charm jewelry, as necklaces, pendants, bracelets, anklets and Egyptian ankh charms.
