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The Egyptian ankh is a familiar sign seen as ankh charms, on ornamental items, on clothing and countless other places in today's world. It is looks a little like the Christian cross with a loop on top of the transverse bar. It's beginnings are even now vague but it's meaning is apparent. It is the Egyptian symbol for 'eternal life' and is seen in ornamental pieces and on household items that were left in their burial places, which were either fashioned in the shape of an ankh or decorated with this symbol.

The Beginnings of the Ankh

There are several speculations regarding it's origins encompassing the idea that it was a bow used on ritual or religious attire, a stylised sandal strap or as a sexual symbol. The most prevalent theory is that it represents an intricate knot with the lower part representing the ends of the bow, as it is frequently comprised of two parts. The ankh is often carried in images of Egyptian gods and unmistakably symbolises life in these images. It's often seen being offered to a king as a symbolic 'breath of life' and ankhs were frequently shown as chains, flowing from libation containers also as a symbol the ankh's life giving properties. Vessels used in ceremonies for holding water were often made in the shape of an ankh.

A Representation of Life

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As a representation of life it was also seen as a symbol of fertility, life in the generations to come. Another 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 start the annual Nile flooding, which was so essential to the Ancient Egyptians. Various Egyptian gods were shown carrying an ankh, 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 seen. The ankh also stands for life in the afterworld and the dead are called ankhu and neb-ankh is the name for a sarcophagus.

Household objects, especially mirrors, were frequently made in the form of an ankh in fact ankh was the word for mirror. A mirror case was found in the tomb of Tutankhamun and musical instruments such as sistrums and even spoons have also been found in this shape.

How We Use the Ankh in the Modern World

These days the ankh is extensively used as an ornamental symbol, it's use ranging from American pop culture to a sign depicting spiritual values. In the 1960's it was a popular symbol worn by the hippies as an affirmation of life and scorn for the materialism of the times. It is associated in the Goth culture with vampirism and is seen in countless vampire films.

Whether you use an ankh for it's purely decorative affect or for a deep, more spiritual meaning it's an established and cherished symbol that is seen in fine gold and silver charm jewelry, as earrings, pendants, anklets, necklaces and Egyptian ankh charms.

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