silver ankh charmThe Egyptian ankh is a recognizable sign seen as ankh charms, on ornamental objects, on clothing and scores of other places in today’s world. It looks a little like the cross of the Christians with a loop over the transverse bar. It’s origins are still vague but it’s meaning is apparent. It is the Egyptian character for ‘eternal life’ and is seen in ornamental designs and on household objects left in their burial places, which were either fashioned in the shape of an ankh or decorated with this symbol.

The Origins of the Ankh

There are various speculations with regard to the ankh’s origins from the idea that it was a tie used on ceremonial or religious clothes, a sexual symbol or the strap of a sandal. The most popular theory is that it represents a complex knot with the lower portion depicting the tails of the bow, as it is often made in two sections. The ankh is seen in statues of Egyptian Gods and Goddesses and unmistakably symbolises life in these depictions. It is frequently seen being offered to a king as a symbolic ‘breath of life’ and ankhs were often painted as flowing in chains from libation vessels symbolising the ankh’s life giving ability. Jugs used as water containers in religious ceremonies were frequently made in the shape of an ankh.

A Symbol of Life

ankh-osiris1As a representation of life it was also used as a representation of fertility, life in future generations. An additional name used for the ankh is the Key of the Nile as it represents the joining together of Isis and Osiris, which was thought to initiate the yearly Nile flooding, so essential to the Ancient Egyptians. Many Egyptian gods and goddesses were depicted carrying an ankh, frequently in two hands crossed over the upper body as seen in a sculpture of Osiris or a sceptre and ankh in each hand as Anibus, Hathor,Isis,Tefnut and several more are often shown. The symbol also represents life in the afterworld and the dead are called ankhu and neb-ankh is the name for a sarcophagus.

Mirrors and many other household objects, were frequently made in the form of an ankh in fact it was also the word for mirror. A mirror casing 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 Today’s World

Nowadays the ankh is extensively used as a decorative devise, it’s use ranging from pop culture in America to a representation showing spiritual values. In the 1970’s it was a prevalent sign used by the hippies as an affirmation of life and scorn for the materialism of the times. It is connected in Gothic subculture with vampires and is a present in numerous films about vampires.

Whether you use an ankh for only it’s decorative affect or for a deep, more spiritual significance it is an established and prized emblem that can be found in beautiful gold and silver charm jewelry, as bracelets, earrings, pendants and Egyptian ankh charms.

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