The Ankh: Symbolism in Culture
The ankh (☥) is the Egyptian hieroglyph that translated "life." The symbol is used frequently in connection with gods and goddesses. Statues portray gods and goddesses carrying the symbol in various postures. The ankh has also been referred to in literature as the "key of life" or "crux ansata" (cross with a handle) (Poe). Since ancient times, the symbol has been adopted by various groups for a variety of causes. Each of these usages has changed the implied meaning of the symbol from a cultural perspective. This research will explore usage of the Ankh throughout history, in relation to its deeper meaning and cultural significance. It will support the hypothesis that ancient and modern usage suggests a conceptual meaning, rather than a singular "correct" translation of the symbol. No one knows precisely where the symbol originated, but there are a number of popular hypotheses. It is a popular theory that the symbol originate as a belt-buckle of Isis. This is supported by the notion that both the ankh and the knot of Isis were used to secure ceremonial girdles (Poe). Another popular theory is that it may have represented a sandal strap with the loop going around the back of the ankle (Poe).
This list of the ankh in use in pop culture could continue to include thousands of examples of its use today. It could be associated with life after death, or the thin veil that separates life and death. When one examines the ancient texts mentioned in Poe, sexual interpretations of the meaning appear to be out of context. However, we are still no closer to understanding the differences that separate that, which is alive from that which is not alive. The Nile is an important consideration in translating the meaning of the ankh, particularly from the standpoint of the two references mentioned in Poe. The ankh represents life, death, male, female, and balance. We still do not understand the veil that separates life and death. The vertical line is representative of the shadow cast by the path of the sum across the Nile. This is partially because the English language uses letters to code sounds, rather than using a picture to represent a concept. This theory is based on the ancient Egyptian belief that semen is created in the spine. We understand more of the processes that lead to death than the ancient Egyptians. Symbols for concepts are difficult for the English speaker to understand as there are no single symbols for spiritual ideas, or at least that survive today. The symbol is carried by many different gods and goddesses. Early Christians used is the symbol to represent life after death (Kozodoy, p. However, the idea remains in pictorial languages such as Chinese or Japanese.
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