The ankh is an ancient Egyptian symbol representing life, immortality, and the union of opposites, such as male and female or earth and heaven. It is one of the most iconic symbols of ancient Egyptian culture and is often called the "key of life" or the "key of the Nile."
Key Characteristics:
- Shape: The ankh resembles a cross with a loop at the top.
- Cultural Significance:
- It was associated with the gods and divine life, often depicted in the hands of deities in Egyptian art.
- The ankh symbolized the eternal nature of the soul and was often included in tombs and funerary artifacts.
- Symbolism:
- The loop (oval or circular) is thought to symbolize the eternal and cyclical nature of life.
- The vertical and horizontal bars may represent opposites—earth and heaven or male and female—coming together to create balance and vitality.
