The Ankh: An Egyptian Symbol for Life

Ashraf Fares • July 20, 2020

what is the Egyptian symbol for life?

Ankh reliefs in the temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor
Egypt symbol for life

Of all the hieroglyphs used in Ancient Egypt, the most well-known and enduring is that of the ankh. Shaped like a cross with an oval loop replacing the top bar, the ankh is an Egyptian symbol for life – both on Earth and after death. If you travel to Egypt today, you will see the ankh carved or painted onto temples and tombs throughout the country, where it would have conveyed its message of everlasting life even to those that could not read. 

Where Did the Ankh Come From?

Egypt symbol for life

Despite its wide use, the exact origins of the ankh are still uncertain, although we do know that it initially came into use during the First Dynasty over 5,000 years ago. There are many different hypotheses about which physical object it was intended to represent. 


Early versions of the symbol depicted the lower bar as two separate lengths of material (possibly made from cloth or reeds). As a result, some scholars believe that the ankh represents a knot that may have been worn as an amulet for protection. This theory is lent weight because these early versions of the ankh resemble another hieroglyph known as tjet or the Knot of Isis. This symbol meant “welfare” or “protection” and was often buried in amulet form with the pharaohs of the New Kingdom to protect their bodies from grave robbers. Although the ankh was depicted in the hands of many different Egyptian deities, it was most closely associated with Isis.


Other scholars believe that the knot that inspired the ankh was used as a sandal strap. Some believe that the inspiration for the ankh wasn’t a knot at all but a mirror, while others think that the oval-topped cross is more representative than literal. There are two popular symbolic explanations: first, that the looped top of the cross represents the sun rising above the horizon, and second, that the ankh is a combination of the male and female reproductive organs. In this case, the “T” shape is synonymous with male sexual organs, while the oval at the top represents the female uterus. The combination of the two indicates the union and balance of opposites and the continued life cycle through reproduction. 

The Ankh in Ancient Egyptian Culture

God Osiris is giving life to the king

As a hieroglyph, the ankh represented a sequence of three consonant sounds that appeared in various words, including the verb “live” and the noun “life.” Although these are accepted as the direct translations of the ankh hieroglyph, the same sequence also appears in non-related words, including “mirror” and “sandal strap” (hence the theories that these objects could have been the original inspiration for the symbol). In Ancient Egyptian architecture, the ankh frequently appears in an honorific phrase meaning “alive, sound and healthy” in conjunction with the name of the ruling pharaoh. It is also commonly seen alongside two other hieroglyphs: the was, representing power, and the djed, representing stability. 


In art, the ankh becomes a physical object representing life and life-giving necessities like air and water. It appears in every form of Ancient Egyptian art, from paintings and reliefs to statuary and amulets. Often, deities are depicted holding an ankh to symbolize their power to sustain life on Earth and impart eternal life after death. Tombs frequently show the god offering the ankh up to the lips of the deceased pharaoh, using it as a key to restore energy and unlock immortality. In these instances, the ankh can be more specifically assumed to represent air or the breath of life. Similarly, chains of ankhs were often used to indicate streams of water, particularly for the ceremonial purification of the pharaoh.

Examples of Ankh Depictions in Egypt

Akhenaten and Nefertiti receiving life from god Atun

As one of Ancient Egypt’s most popular hieroglyphic and artistic symbols, the ankh can be seen repeatedly in most temples and tombs dating from the First Dynasty onwards. If you’re planning an Egyptian adventure, iconic examples to look out for include the relief on the wall of the inner sanctum in the Temple of Isis at Philae, which shows Isis resurrecting Osiris with an ankh held up to his lips. In Cairo’s Egyptian Museum, the most famous representation is an ankh-shaped mirror case made of gold-plated wood, which was recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun. 


Also of interest in the Egyptian Museum is a relief showing the sun beaming down upon the pharaoh Akhenaten and his wife, Nefertiti. At the end of each sunbeam is a hand clasping a miniature ankh, representing everlasting life's gift. This relief dates back to the Amarna Period in the latter half of the Eighteenth Dynasty when Akhenaten chose to worship the sun disc Aten above all other gods in the first-known shift towards monotheistic religion. This policy was reversed by his successor, the boy king Tutankhamun. However, the fact that the ankh was still used as a symbol during this period proves its ability to survive religious changes.


There are also examples of Ancient Egyptian ankhs in museums worldwide. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, for example, features blue faience ankh amulets taken from the tomb of Thutmose IV and a cornice stone with a relief showing Thoth baptizing one of the Claudian emperors with a stream of water made up of miniature ankhs and was. The latter was recovered from a temple at Philae. 

Akhenaten and Nefertiti receive life







The Ankh As a Symbol in Other Cultures


The power of the ankh as an Egyptian symbol for life was so strong that several other ancient civilizations also adopted it. In Near Eastern art, the ankh was often depicted alongside Egyptian deities who had been introduced into the pantheons of Syria and Canaan; it also became part of the artistic culture of Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) and Crete. In Africa, the Meroitic Kingdom (located to the south of Egypt in modern-day Sudan) adopted many of their neighbors’ beliefs and practices, including the use of the ankh symbol to represent mortal and everlasting life. 


In Egypt, the ankh was one of the only ancient symbols to survive when Christianity began to replace paganism from the first century AD onwards. The Coptic Christians embraced its message of eternal life but adapted it to relate to the spiritual immortality they believed awaited the followers of Christ. The oval-shaped loop at the top of the ankh was replaced with a circular one, thereby creating the Coptic alternative to the traditional four-posted cross known as the crux ansata. 



Goddess Ishtar is holding the symbol of life

Meaning of the Ankh in Modern Times

Egyptian symbol for life

Incredibly, the ankh has lasted through five millennia to remain one of the most recognizable African symbols in the modern world. It is often depicted in tattoos and jewelry, and although it is purely decorative for some people, it carries a deeper meaning for specific ethnic or religious groups. Many members of African communities living in the Western world choose to wear the ankh as a symbol of their cultural identity, with celebrity examples of this trend including Beyonce and Rihanna. The ankh is also a symbol of Kemetism, a revival of Ancient Egyptian religion that emerged in the 1970s. Above all, though, the ankh continues to be what it always has been – a symbol and celebration of life.

You can check a large variety of Egypt tours with Pyramids Land tours.

Egypt family vacation
By Ashraf Fares July 4, 2025
Make your Egyptian family trip unforgettable. Discover tips on family-friendly activities, accommodations, and transportation to plan a magical getaway!
Best Egypt tours camel ride in Giza
By Ashraf Fares June 21, 2025
Discover the Wonders of Egypt with Pyramids Land Tours
Flights compensation
By Ashraf Fares June 19, 2025
Flight disruptions are more common than most travelers expect, and when your plans are thrown into chaos, the last thing you want is to deal with confusing airline policies. Many passengers don't realize they might be entitled to monetary compensation for these issues. Whether your flight was delayed for hours or cancelled without notice, it's worth knowing your rights. If you’ve ever been placed in a lower class than you booked, you're also likely entitled to downgrade flight compensation . This applies when airlines switch your ticketed class to a lower one, and you may be eligible for a partial refund. Understanding your rights in these scenarios ensures you're not leaving money on the table
travel photography
By Ashraf Fares April 30, 2025
If you've ever marveled at photographs that capture an enchanting glow, warm hues, and captivating shadows, chances are these were taken during the "golden hour." This magical period shortly after sunrise or before sunset transforms ordinary scenes into breathtaking masterpieces. For travel photographers, mastering golden hour photography can elevate your portfolio, providing images that far surpass typical travel snapshots and even rival carefully curated stock images . Here's your ultimate guide to harnessing the golden hour for stunning travel photography.
Red roses
By Ashraf Fares March 14, 2025
Red roses have always stirred a whirlwind of emotions and associations, becoming an integral part of both romantic and ceremonial moments. In today’s world, where tradition and innovation intertwine, a bouquet of red roses continues to symbolize passion, love, and respect. If you want to give the perfect gift, consider a red roses bouquet , which can instantly convey deep meaning and emotion. In this article, we will explore what a bouquet of red roses symbolizes, how the number of roses in an arrangement affects its meaning, and why the combination of shades plays a key role in conveying sentiment.
By Ashraf Fares March 4, 2025
Egypt sees a steady outflow of skilled professionals and students seeking opportunities abroad, while at the same time, it remains a destination for refugees, expatriates, and investors. In some cases, cultural and social factors also play a role, such as the increasing interest in international matchmaking services, where individuals from different countries seek life partners — like the growing trend of Russian ladies for marriage in the USA , driven by cultural curiosity and lifestyle preferences. These movements are shaped by economic conditions, government policies, and regional developments. Understanding the motivations behind migration in and out of Egypt reveals broader trends affecting employment, education, and investment in the country.
Camel ride at Giza Pyramids
By Ashraf Fares January 18, 2025
Planning a holiday to Egypt can seem like a daunting task. With so many incredible sites to see, experiences to be had, and logistics to organise, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The key is to break the planning process down into manageable steps. Creating a weekly to do list allows you to chip away at the tasks bit by bit. Before you know it, you’ll have crafted the perfect Egyptian holiday itinerary.
By Ashraf Fares October 22, 2024
https://www.pexels.com/photo/cairo-nile-river-12607742/
By Ashraf Fares March 18, 2024
Egypt is not merely a destination; it's a vibrant chronicle of history, a treasure trove of culture, and nature's magnificence beyond comparison. Gaze beyond the iconic visage of the majestic Giza Pyramids and the pulse of Cairo's city life, and you'll uncover an Egypt that's more profound than its urban heartbeat. Envision yourself swept away on a riveting sojourn to the nation’s southern gems, where stories of pharaohs and ancient gods are intricately woven into the land's tapestry. My own odyssey took me to the Nile 's brilliant beacons – the awe-inspiring Luxor and Aswan – and serenaded me onward to the Red Sea's serene embrace in Hurghada. This is where the true essence of Egypt pulses with life, marrying the grandeur of its past with the welcoming spirit of today. Here, every traveler finds their adventure interlaced with moments of peaceful contemplation. Step into this narrative, and you'll not just visit Egypt; you'll feel its heartbeat and carry its soul with you long after you've returned home. Don't wait. The storied lands of Egypt beckon, offering an unparalleled adventure that makes you encounter is a rare jewel, set against a backdrop of timeless wonder and contemporary charm. Come, be part of the story, and leave with tales of your own. Rediscover the world - discover Egypt. 
 Giza Pyramids
By Ashraf Fares March 16, 2024
Egypt is a land that is full of time-bound mysteries. There are no rich historical and cultural developments that have challenged scholars like Egypt. The country features magnificent pyramids. They showcase great architectural knowledge. The country is full of stories about great pharaohs, gods, and goddesses. Human history shall forever be inscribed in the wonders of Egypt. Writing about the history and culture of Egypt requires a lot of preparation. It demands choosing the right dissertation topics. Entering into this scholarly journey can be exciting.
More Posts