Anch

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Replica of a mirror case of Tutankhamun in the form of an ankh

The ankh (☥, Egyptian NH ), also ankh symbol, ankh cross, in English transcription Ankh , Egyptian cross, ankh, life loop Nilschlüssel or Coptic Cross (symbolizing the Coptic Church ), Latin crux ansata , is an ancient Egyptian symbol , which stands for life in the hereafter. As a hieroglyph , the symbol stands for physical life.

The Unicode symbol is U + 2625 ANKH: ☥.

Details

Ankh cross
The god Amun-Re holds the sign of life to King Ramses II's nose with the words: “I hereby give you all life, stability and well-being, all health, all joy of heart, all efficiency, all strength.” 13th century BC . Chr.
Relief with a Coptic cross, 5th – 6th centuries Century AD

The symbol itself consists of a T with a half lemniscate attached . The corresponding hieroglyph in the Gardiner list has the designation S 34.

There are ancient Egyptian representations in which a god presents the sign Ankh to the Pharaoh as a sign of life. The sign can sometimes be found near the nose to represent a connection between life and breath.

Modern culture

In esotericism , the ankh is often used in a diverse and therefore not precisely determinable meaning. In popular culture, it is often used as a symbol of immortality or life force. For example in subcultures such as the Gothic scene, where it is often worn as jewelry, in computer games and in films such as Escape to the 23rd Century , where it appears as a key to a refuge. The guitarist Vinnie Vincent wore the ankh as a mask when he was with Kiss (1982-1983).

See also

literature

Web links

Commons : Anch  - collection of images, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Natale Spineto: The symbols of humanity. Patmos, Düsseldorf 2003, ISBN 3-491-72474-0 , p. 60.