It would have originally been spelled “kmt.” In hieroglyphs, it was spelled with a crocodile skin forming the letter “K,” an owl for “M,” and half a loaf of bread for the “T” sound. It comes from the root word “Kemet,” the original name for Egypt, which was later named as such by the Greeks. Kemetism is a renewal for the polytheistic beliefs of ancient Egypt. It began to emerge as a more organized/public religion in the 1970’s. Kemetic spirituality, or Kemetism, has been around in a less formal context for some time. It is very much alive, and an important part of Kemetic spirituality. Something important to understand is that the ankh isn’t a dead symbol. If you decide to get an ankh tattoo, you may find yourself in some interesting debates! The African Spirituality of the Ankh There were people crucified on the “T” shape we’ve come to associate with Christ today.Īre the ankh/cross similarities a coincidence, or something more nefarious? However, the Christians did not fabricate the idea of crucifixion. In fact, some say the most accurate translation would be “tree.” The specific shape was not mentioned in the original scripture. There are even some theories that say Christ did not even die on a cross. Others say Christians re-appropriated the cross to erase/detract attention from Egyptian spirituality. Some say it is a case of coincidental crossover. The “who used it first” question is a difficult one to answer. It is not associated with Christ in any way, though there is some crossover with the themes of life after death. The truth is, the ankh is not a cross symbol. They think of it as a “pagan cross,” and distance themselves from it as a result. Many Christians do not embrace the symbol. If you are going to wear an ankh symbol, you should be aware that it is steeped in religious controversy. In many ways, the ankh symbolizes two things coming together to create one life-giving force. This makes sense, given that both are essential for human survival. The ankh represents the elements of both air and water. When this rite is depicted, the water is often drawn as a chain of small ankh symbols. In some art pieces, the Egyptian gods pour water over a pharaoh’s head in a cleansing ritual. In this context, an ankh tattoo would symbolize: The loop on the top of the key can represent the breath of life and the element of air. This was to symbolize their life after death. In many Egyptian paintings and carvings, a divine figure holds an ankh to a person’s lips. Once there, they could start the next part of their journey. The idea was that this symbol would help them open the door to the afterlife. Often, the dead would be adorned with an ankh amulet, or tombs would be decorated with the symbol. The ankh symbol was often worn in Egypt as an amulet to prolong one’s life, and ankh imagery was used in burial. While this is true, the word “ankh” translates to “life” in the Afro-Asiatic language of ancient Egypt.īut the story behind the symbolism is much more interesting than one simple word.Īfter all, life as a concept on its own doesn’t mean much. The ankh is often simplified as a symbol of life. Taken as a whole, the ankh resembles a key. If you do decide to get one, you can wear it with confidence and pride. That way, you’ll be able to decide if an ankh tattoo is right for you. Now, you can have a more intimate relationship with the ankh than ever before. Gods and Goddesses associated with the ankh.In this article, we will explore the meaning of ankh tattoos: It is made up of several images, each with its own special meaning. This simple, sleek looking symbol is more than meets the eye. If you are considering an ankh tattoo, read on! To wear an ankh is to step back in time, and access the spiritual knowledge of the ancient Egyptians. The ankh itself pre-dates the Christian cross. The term new age implies that these symbols are more recent.īut they are some of the oldest religious symbols in existence. The trouble with this is that many people who wear the ankh do not understand its deep spiritual power. In the “new age” context, we often see ankh symbols next to yin/yang, pentagram, triple moon, and eye of Horus imagery. It is a popular symbol in jewelry designs, clothing, and tattoos. The ankh is a symbol you are likely familiar with. The Gods and Goddesses Associated with the Ankh:.
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