Ankh

The ankh is an ancient Egyptian hieroglyph representing life and enduring life. Also known as the Egyptian cross or key of life, it dates back to ancient Egyptians in 3100 B.C. The ankh symbolized regeneration, eternal life and the afterlife in Egyptian mythology. The ankh is depicted as a cross with a loop at the top as the oval shape of scarab beetles sacred to sun worship. The oval loop symbolizes the rising sun, while the cross represents masculine and feminine energy coming together to create life. In Egyptian art, gods and pharaohs are often shown carrying the ankh by the loop or holding it against their lips. This conveyed the divinity or aspiration to eternal life. Egyptians would wear the ankh as an amulet for protection and use it on coffins to impart immortality. The ankh remained in use through Coptic Christianity as a symbol of eternal life. In modern times, it retains associations with Egyptology studies and neo-pagan belief systems. The ankh continues to evoke ideas of living, transition, cycles and the mystical balance between male and female energies in the universe. As one of the most ubiquitous symbols from ancient Egypt, the ankh signifies life itself - both earthly and immortal. Its longevity as a cultural emblem speaks to humanity's persistent hope for regeneration, endurance and spiritual wisdom.