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.
Below you will find a gallery of inspirational images that will help you in your quest of creating the perfect Ankh Cross tattoo.
Also Check out: Celtic Cross, Saltire Tattoos, Southern Cross, Maltese Cross, Iron Cross, Religious Tattoo Index, Lucky Tattoo Index, and Latino Tattoo Index.
