Anch
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
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
- Hans Bonnet : Lexicon of the Egyptian religious history. 3rd, unchanged edition, Nikol, Hamburg 2000, ISBN 3-937872-08-6 , pp. 418-420.
- Wolfgang Helck , Eberhard Otto : Anchzeichen. In: Wolfgang Helck, Eberhard Otto: Small Lexicon of Egyptology. 4th revised edition. Harrassowitz, Wiesbaden 1999, ISBN 3-447-04027-0 , p. 33.
- Manfred Lurker : Lexicon of the gods and symbols of the ancient Egyptians. Handbook of the mystical and magical world of Egypt. Scherz, Bern et al. 1998, ISBN 3-502-16430-4 , pp. 124-125.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Natale Spineto: The symbols of humanity. Patmos, Düsseldorf 2003, ISBN 3-491-72474-0 , p. 60.