| The Egyptian Ankh - Charms, Symbols and Origins - A Symbol of Life |
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A Symbol of Life As a symbol of life it was also seen as a symbol of fertility, life in the generations to come. Another name for the ankh is the Key of the Nile and as such represents the union of Osiris and Isis which was thought to begin the annual Nile flooding, so important to the Ancient Egyptians. Many Egyptian gods were shown carrying an ankh, often in both hands crossed over the chest as seen in a statue of Osiris or an ankh in one hand and a scepter in the other as Hathor, Isis, Anibus, Sobek, Tefnut and many more are shown. The symbol also represents life in the netherworld and the dead may be referred to as ankhu and a sarcophagus as a neb-ankh. Mirrors and many other household objects were made in the shape of an ankh and it was also the word for mirror. A gilded mirror case was found in the tomb of Tutankhamen and sistrums (a type of musical instrument) and spoons were also made in this shape. The Use of the Ankh in the Modern World Today the ankh is widely used as a decorative devise today from American pop culture to a symbol depicting spiritual beliefs. In the 1960's and 1970's it was a popular sign used by the hippies as an affirmation of life and disdain for the materialism of the times. It is associated in Gothic subculture with vampirism and has appeared in many vampire films. Whether you wear an ankh for it's purely decorative affect or for a deeper, spiritual meaning it is a well known and loved symbol that can be found in exquisite gold and silver jewelry, as ankh charms, earrings, necklaces or pendants. For more information and some good deals on gold and silver ankh jewelry and charms visit Gold and Silver Charm Jewelry or Ankh Charm Jewelry Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janet_Ashby
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