Ankh means life

Ankh is probably the most famous in Egyptian hieroglyphics but do you know why?

Ankh is not an alphabet  letter; it belongs to the triliteral class of hieroglyphs. As an ideogram, ankh symbolises life. As to why it depicts life, it is hypothesised that the loop represents the sun over the horizon or the union of heaven and Earth to name two theories. Gardiner had interpreted the symbol's origin to represent a sandal strap tied around the ankle based on linguistic roots. As a phonetic, this hieroglyph is ānχ. 

The Ankh symbol


The true reason Ankh is so well engraved into our memories is its use as a very common motif in Ancient Egyptian architecture as well as pictorial representations in the hands of Gods wishing long, prosperous lives for Kings. In tombs, ankh is coupled with the "opening of the mouth ceremony" and the afterlife revival imagery where it is often seen extending down the King's lips. This hieroglyph uniquely remained in use throughout the Christian era in Egypt due to its close association with the concept of afterlife. 

Sources:
Alan Gardiner, Egyptian Grammar

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