Ankh facts for kids

Ankh

The ankh was an ancient Egyptian symbol. It looked like a cross with a loop at the top. The word "ankh" in ancient Egyptian meant "life."

Ancient Egyptian gods are often shown holding the ankh. They might carry it by its loop or hold one in each hand with their arms crossed. People sometimes call it the Egyptian Cross or crux ansata, which is Latin for "cross with a handle." Many people believed the ankh was a protective symbol.

What is the Ankh?

The ankh is a hieroglyph, which is a picture used as a letter or word in ancient Egyptian writing. It was a very important symbol because it stood for life itself. This included physical life, eternal life, and even the breath of life.

Who Used the Ankh?

The ankh was mostly used by ancient Egyptians. It was a common sight in their art, temples, and tombs.

• Gods and Goddesses: Many gods and goddesses are shown holding the ankh. They often offered it to pharaohs, symbolizing that they were giving life to the king.
• Pharaohs: Kings of Egypt, called pharaohs, were often depicted with the ankh. This showed their connection to the gods and their power over life.
• Everyday People: Ordinary Egyptians also used the ankh. They wore it as amulets (charms) for protection and good luck. They believed it would bring them health and a long life.

Where Can We See Ankhs Today?

You can still see ankhs in many places.

• Museums: Many museums around the world have ancient Egyptian artifacts with ankh symbols.
• Tombs and Temples: If you visit ancient Egyptian sites like the Valley of the Kings or Karnak Temple, you will see ankhs carved into walls and pillars.
• Modern Culture: The ankh is still a popular symbol today. People use it in jewelry, art, and even tattoos. It often represents life, mystery, or ancient history.

Meaning of the Ankh

The ankh had several important meanings to the ancient Egyptians.

• Life and Immortality: Its main meaning was life. This included life on Earth and the idea of living forever after death.
• Protection: People believed the ankh could protect them from harm and evil spirits.
• Balance: Some think the ankh also represented the balance between male and female, or between heaven and Earth. The loop might be seen as female, and the cross as male.
• Key to the Afterlife: The ankh was sometimes called the "Key of the Nile" or the "Key of Life." It was thought to be a key that unlocked the gates of the afterlife.

Ankh in Art and Hieroglyphs

In ancient Egyptian art, the ankh was often shown in specific ways.

• Offering Life: Gods were often shown holding the ankh to the nose of a pharaoh. This symbolized the gods giving the "breath of life" to the king.
• Processions: Sometimes, a line of gods would carry ankhs, showing their power over life.
• Objects: The ankh shape was also used for everyday objects, like mirrors.

Images for kids

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  First Dynasty stone dish in the shape of an ankh embraced by a pair of arms representing the ka

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  A crux ansata in Codex Glazier, a Coptic manuscript of the New Testament, 4th to 5th century AD

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  Crux ansata signs on a piece of cloth, 4th to 5th century AD

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  An ankh made of Egyptian faience

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  The god Horus offers life to the king, Ramesses II.

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  Ankh-shaped mirror case from the tomb of Tutankhamun

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  The god Banebdjedet with a scepter combining the was and djed with the ankh

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  Frieze of ankh, djed, and was signs atop the hieroglyph for "all"

See also

In Spanish: Anj para niños