In ancient times, the Egyptians used an exceptional symbol called the Egyptian Ankh. Among the many symbols of the Egyptian script or hieroglyphics, the Egyptian Ankh is well-known. Though it looks similar to the cross that depicts Christianity, a loop present above the top line makes it a bit different.
There are many theories and legends regarding the origin of the Egyptian Ankh symbol. Some suggest that it is the manifestation of sexual symbolism. Others suggest that it is a representation of an elaborate bow much in the same manner as the knot of Isis.
Many ancient hieroglyphics provide a very detailed interpretation of the symbol of the Ankh. Many of them clearly go to show that the lower section of the symbol is really made up of two parts and these two parts are the end of a bow.
After studying some very old hieroglyphic scripts, historians are of the belief that there is a division at the end of the symbol. According to them, the characteristic Isis knot of the Egyptian Ankh has a religious base.
Egyptology has not yet derived a logical conclusion regarding the birth of the Egyptian Ankh. However, the studies don't really confuse us, as the main thing signified by the Ankh is that it symbolizes life. Hence, in Egypt there is a depiction of many of their deities holding the Ankh symbol which means life.
A much deeper meaning of the symbol reveals that it may really be representing life-giving elements such as water and air. In several hieroglyphics the symbol of the Ankh is shown being presented upon the lips of the King thereby representing the "breath of life".
Anthropomorphism is a remarkable part of Egyptian antiquities. Many pictures related to this aspect have been found in Egypt. One such picture shows a pharaoh in the background of the Egyptian Ankh in the form of a fan of ostrich feathers. Therefore such pictorial representations of the Ankh provide various meanings.
One more exclusive manner in which the symbol has been represented was in the form of chains wherein which numerous Ankh symbols are consecutively linked to one another. Such patterns are commonly depicted on water vessels through which water is being poured thereby symbolizing the power of water. Archaeologists have also been able to find examples of libation vessels that were really created in the form of the Ankh symbol and put to use in religious ceremonies.
The value of this unique symbol can be found in the truth that many different everyday use objects were purposely created in the form of the symbol. This included all kinds of items ranging from those that were generally 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.
There are many theories and legends regarding the origin of the Egyptian Ankh symbol. Some suggest that it is the manifestation of sexual symbolism. Others suggest that it is a representation of an elaborate bow much in the same manner as the knot of Isis.
Many ancient hieroglyphics provide a very detailed interpretation of the symbol of the Ankh. Many of them clearly go to show that the lower section of the symbol is really made up of two parts and these two parts are the end of a bow.
After studying some very old hieroglyphic scripts, historians are of the belief that there is a division at the end of the symbol. According to them, the characteristic Isis knot of the Egyptian Ankh has a religious base.
Egyptology has not yet derived a logical conclusion regarding the birth of the Egyptian Ankh. However, the studies don't really confuse us, as the main thing signified by the Ankh is that it symbolizes life. Hence, in Egypt there is a depiction of many of their deities holding the Ankh symbol which means life.
A much deeper meaning of the symbol reveals that it may really be representing life-giving elements such as water and air. In several hieroglyphics the symbol of the Ankh is shown being presented upon the lips of the King thereby representing the "breath of life".
Anthropomorphism is a remarkable part of Egyptian antiquities. Many pictures related to this aspect have been found in Egypt. One such picture shows a pharaoh in the background of the Egyptian Ankh in the form of a fan of ostrich feathers. Therefore such pictorial representations of the Ankh provide various meanings.
One more exclusive manner in which the symbol has been represented was in the form of chains wherein which numerous Ankh symbols are consecutively linked to one another. Such patterns are commonly depicted on water vessels through which water is being poured thereby symbolizing the power of water. Archaeologists have also been able to find examples of libation vessels that were really created in the form of the Ankh symbol and put to use in religious ceremonies.
The value of this unique symbol can be found in the truth that many different everyday use objects were purposely created in the form of the symbol. This included all kinds of items ranging from those that were generally 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 Boats are simply amazing to behold up close. For more reading on a comparable subject click the link to Ancient Egyptian Sailing.
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