The Ankh – Charms, Jewelry and Origins
The Ankh is a familiar symbol seen as ankh charms, on ornamental objects, on T shirts and scores of other places in today’s world. It is similar in appearance to the Christian cross but has a loop above the transverse bar. The Symbol’s origins are even now obscure but it’s significance is unmistakable. It is the Egyptian hieroglyph for ‘eternal life’ and is seen in ornamental pieces and on domestic items that were left in their tombs, which were either fashioned as an ankh or decorated with this symbol.
The Origins of the Ankh
There are several theories regarding it’s origins encompassing the idea that it was a knot used on ritual or religious clothes, a a stylised strap of a sandal. The most prevalent theory is that it represents a complex knot with the lower segment representing the ends of the bow, as it is often made up of two parts. The ankh is often seen in illustrations of Egyptian gods and undoubtedly stands for life in these depictions. It’s frequently shown being offered to a king as a figurative ‘breath of life’ and ankhs were frequently shown as flowing in chains from libation containers also as a symbol it’s life giving ability. Jugs used in ceremonies for holding water were regularly fashioned in the form of an ankh.
A Representation of Life
As a representation of life it was also used as a representation of fertility, life in the generations to come. An alternative 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 start the annual Nile flooding, so important to the Ancient Egyptians. Many Egyptian gods were depicted carrying an ankh, frequently in both hands crossed over the upper body as seen in a sculpture of Osiris or holding both sceptre and ankh as Isis, Sobek, Tefnut, Hathor and several more are frequently seen. 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 often made in the shape of an ankh in fact 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 form.
How the Ankh is used in Today’s World
Nowadays the ankh is extensively used as a decorative sign, it’s use ranging from pop culture in the US to a symbol showing spiritual beliefs. In the 1960′ to 1970’s it was a common sign worn by hippies as an affirmation of life and scorn for the materialism of the times. It is associated in the Goth subculture with vampires and has appeared in countless vampire films.
Whether you wear an ankh for only it’s decorative affect or for a deep, more spiritual significance it is a well known and prized emblem that is found in exquisite charm jewelry, as earrings, pendants, anklets, necklaces and Egyptian ankh charms.