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Ancient Egyptians - The Ankh |
Picture of the Ankh Ancient Egypt - The Ankh Amulet Fact Sheet Fact 1 on the Ankh: The Ankh was worn as a protective talisman by both the living and the deceased. Description: A cross shaped like a T with a loop at the top Fact 2 on the Ankh: Meaning of the Ankh: To the ancient Egyptians the Ankh symbolized physical and eternal life, immortality and reincarnation. Fact 3 on the Ankh: It was regarded as the key of the Nile which overflowed annually and so fertilized the land of ancient Egypt. Fact 4 on the Ankh: The loop at the top of the Ankh was believed to represent the mouth of a fish which, metaphorically, flourished in the water (symbolizing the life of Egypt) bringing the inundations and renewal of the fertile soil to those who depended upon its replenishment to maintain life. Fact 5 on the Ankh: Another theory suggests that it was meant to represent the sunrise, although this is the explanation of another similar symbol called the 'Sa'. This theory suggests that the loop is depicting the sun disk, the crossbar representing the line of the horizon line and the vertical bar representing the path of the sun. The 'Sa' was associated with Taweret, the ancient Egyptian hippopotamus goddess and the dwarf god Bes and symbolized the "protection of young life". Fact 6 on the Ankh: The above picture of an ankh-shaped mirror case details the workmanship of the ancient Egyptian craftsmen and artisans. The beautiful mirror case was one of the treasures found in the tomb of King Tut. A cartouche containing the hieroglyphics of previous Pharaohs decorates the rim. The mirror case is inlaid with the red jasper stone, turquoise and the dark blue Lapis lazuli stone. Fact 7 on the Ankh: Mirrors were used for purposes of divination by the ancient Egyptians as life and death were believed to mirror each other. Mirrors were therefore often shaped in the form of an ankh sign. Fact 8 on the Ankh: The color blue represented royalty to the ancient Egyptians and the stones of this color included lapis lazuli and turquoise which were the most prized of all stones. Fact 9 on the Ankh: The red jasper stone symbolized the life blood of the goddess Isis, who was known as the mother goddess. Fact 10 on the Ankh: There are various potent symbols depicted on the mirror case that held additional magical protective power to the ankh including the central scarab symbol, the lotus and the sun disk. Ancient Egyptian Magic - The Ankh Fact Sheet Picture of Amulets Picture of the Symbol The Ankh Amulet Facts about the Ancient Egyptian Ankh Talisman Ancient Egypt - The Ankh Amulet Fact Sheet Fact 11 on the Ankh: Many ancient Egyptian images depict the gods and goddesses holding the ankh. Fact 12 on the Ankh: A Talisman or an amulet can be described as a religious object consisting of a stone or other small item, often inscribed or carved with magical inscriptions, magic signs, magic symbols, formula or sacred text. Fact 13 on the Ankh: The symbol also represents health and strength. Fact 14 on the Ankh: The origin of the ankh is disputed but some Egyptologist believe that the symbol evolved from an ancient Egyptian glyph that was used for representing magical protection. Fact 15 on the Ankh: It is also referred to as the Crux Ansata, meaning "cross with a handle". Fact 16 on the Ankh: Ancient Egyptian Gods and goddesses were depicted on tomb paintings placing the icon in front of the face of the king representing the breath of eternal life. Fact 17 on the Ankh: The symbol was also used in ceremonies and rituals relating to purification. Fact 18 on the Ankh: Pharaohs and kings were often shown holding an Ankh to distinguish them from "mere mortals." Fact 19 on the Ankh: It is often identified, and resembles, the 'Knot of Isis' and has been described as elaborate bow with a knot being of long forgotten religious significance. Fact 20 on the Ankh: It also represents eternity and infinity which is symbolized by the closed loop. Ancient Egyptian Magic - The Ankh Fact Sheet Ancient Egyptian Talismans & Amulets Egypt and the Ankh Amulet and Talisman |