Ankh

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

The Unicode symbol is U 2625 ANKH.

Details

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

There are ancient Egyptian representations, in which a god sign ankh presented to the Pharaoh as a sign of life. In this case, the sign is sometimes found near the nose to represent a connection between life and breath.

Modern Culture

In the esoteric, the ankh is often used in more diverse and therefore not precisely identifiable meaning. In popular culture it is often found as a symbol of immortality or life force. For example, in subcultures like the goth scene, where it is often worn as jewelry, in computer games and in movies such as escape into the 23rd century, where it appears as a key for a refuge. The guitarist Vinnie Vincent contributed to his time with Kiss (1982-1983), the ankh as a mask.

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