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TATTOO DESIGNS & SYMBOLS - ANKH TATTOO
Tattoo Symbol Index - A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Tattoo designs - A >> Ankh
When the Egyptian era was eclipsed by the Christian in the Middle-East, the pagan ankh was adapted by the Egyptian Copts as their own unique crux ansata (cross with a handle). It became the crucifix symbol in the Coptic Church, representing the hope of future life and resurrection, and at the same time acknowledging the link to previous religions and beliefs of Egypt. In later years, it came to be known as the Egyptian Cross and the 'key of life', its key-like shape inspiring the belief that it could unlock the gates of death.
Today the ankh is a favourite with Neo-pagan spiritual groups. This ancient symbol is sometimes blended with theological concepts and appears as such in the sacred seal in the occult world. Its unique and dramatic shape, its history, and its association with life, death, and the hereafter, have made it popular in the world of fantasy fiction, video games and comics, especially with Goth overtones.
In another interesting symbolic conversion, the design of Celtic Cross also features the convergence of the symbols of the cross and the circle. See also: Lucky Tattoo Index
Choose your own ankh tattoo design from Tattoo-Art.com.
Choose your own Egyptian Ankh tattoo design by the world's top tattoo artists at Tattoo Johnny and buy the perfect ankh design for you.
Get Ankh designs on t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, bags & more. Tattoo designs - A >> Ankh Tattoo Symbol Index - A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
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Ankh Tattoo Design Meanings - To the
ancient Egyptians, the ankh symbol -- a hieroglyph - meant 'Life'.
Egyptologists still puzzle over the precise origin of this sign from
the ancient world. The ankh is a fascinating hybrid of two nearly
universal symbols, ones found in many cultures all over the
world, the cross and the circle. The shape of the ankh suggests the
sunrise, with the loop depicting the sun rising over the horizon,
symbolized by the crossbar, with the vertical line representing the
path of the sun. One theory holds that its unique shape represents
the male and female gods, Osiris and Isis. The cross stood for the
male phallus and testicles, while the oval signified the womb. The
joining together of the cross and the circle represents the union of
heaven and earth. The ankh has also been called the 'belt-buckle' of
Isis. Also, the 'sandal strap', if you can visualize loop around the
ankle. The ankh also symbolized the water used in purification
rituals. Metal mirrors were sometimes shaped like the ankh sign,
perhaps reflecting the belief that life and death mirror each other.
It was also worn as an amulet for magical protection. 
