Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphic Symbols and Meanings

29 Popular Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphic Symbols And Meanings

We must know about their beliefs to better understand why Ancient Egyptians used Amulets or Symbols during their lives or in sarcophagi and tombs. The Ancient Egyptians believed that life on earth was temporary but permanent, and it was after their death and after they passed the 12 Portals of the World of Death. They were sure that they would come back to life like everything around them, the Nile, the Sun, and even plants; they disappeared and then appeared again.

For Egyptians, the human being consists of the Body “Khet,” the Consort or “ghost” “Ka”, the Heavenly Spirit “Ba, the name “Ren,” and the Heart “Ib.” When coming back to life, they would need a complete body, so they went to the Mummification so the Ka and the Ba could find the body. The name was also essential to help them recognize death; that’s why they invented the “Cartouche.”

The Heart will be left in the mummified body to witness or against the disease during the second world’s last judgment. So they invented some amulets to force the heart to be with the deceased. The long Egyptian History is full of legends like World Creation, Isis & Osiris, and some deities. We Will Review Here The Most Popular Symbols in Egyptian Civilization.

Ancient Egypt, with its rich and mysterious civilization, left behind a treasure trove of symbols that continue to captivate and intrigue us to this day. The ancient Egyptians used symbols extensively in their art, architecture, and religious rituals. These symbols held deep meaning and were believed to connect the mortal world with the divine realm. In this article, we will explore the top ancient Egyptian symbols and their meanings and uncover fascinating facts about them.

What Does Each Egyptian Symbol Mean?

Canopic Jars Symbol

Ancient Egyptians believed that death was the first step toward resurrection and eternal life, so they made sure to save their bodies from any corruption after death by mummification.

What canopic jars are symbolized, and what are the jars used to protect?

A set of four embalming jars symbolizes the four sons of Horus, and each Jar protects an organ belonging to the Deceased. They used to move out all the body’s internal organs except the heart, as they believed it was the soul’s seat. They embalmed the intestines, lungs, stomach, and liver, then wrapped them with linen and kept each organ in a separate Canopic Jar.

Each Jar has a headed lid representing one of Horus’s sons, and each has a specific organ to keep it safe.

• Hapi, the baboon-headed god, guards the lungs.
• Duamutef, the jackal-headed god, guards the stomach.
• Imsety, the human-headed god, guards the liver.
• Qebehsenuef, the falcon-headed god, guards the intestines.

The Ankh (Key Of Life)

The Ankh symbol is the most common decorative motif in ancient Egypt and neighboring cultures. It is an Egyptian symbol of protection and other things.

The Ankh, often referred to as the “Key of Life” or “Crux Ansata,” symbolizes eternal life and spiritual energy. Shaped like a cross with a loop at the top, it represents everlasting life and the union of male and female energies. The loop at the top is believed to symbolize the sun rising above the horizon, while the cross represents the earth and the physical realm.

The Ankh was frequently depicted in the hands of gods and pharaohs, symbolizing their divine authority and immortality. It was a powerful symbol that signified the continuation of life beyond death and the belief in an afterlife. The Ankh was also associated with fertility and was often depicted in the hands of deities responsible for the creation and sustenance of life.

• How was The Ankh symbol shaped?

The most commonly used and known symbol since the early Dynasty is the Ankh, which you probably know by life’s key. It’s an ancient Egyptian symbol that looks like a cross with a looped top in a teardrop shape. It is one of the Egyptian characters most commonly used in tattoos.

• What is the Ankh symbol used in ancient Egypt?

This symbol was used in hieroglyphic writing and Egyptian art to represent the word “life,” which you’ll find a lot in tomb paintings and inscriptions on the temples’ walls, so it is one of the Egyptian symbols used in the alphabet. The Egyptians also wore it as an amulet, so it is a symbol of protection.

• What Ankh symbolizes, and Why was it held in the ancient Egyptian deities?

The Ankh symbolizes many things, such as the power to sustain life and revive human souls in the afterlife; that’s why it was commonly held in the hands of ancient Egyptian deities or given by them to a pharaoh. It also symbolizes the promise of eternal life, the Sun, fertility, and light. The symbol was placed among the mummy wrapping to secure the deceased’s rebirth and well-being in the afterlife.

• The mystery behind the Ankh symbol

This symbol’s origin is still a mystery. One theory says it originated from a sandal strap. Others suggest it was the belt buckle of the goddess Isis, but we certainly know it is associated with life.

The Scarab Beetle

The Egyptian Scarab beetle, one of the most common symbols in ancient Egypt and the most popular, was worn by the living and the dead as an Egyptian symbol of protection and death. The Scarab beetle held great significance in ancient Egyptian culture and was considered a symbol of transformation, resurrection, and protection.

Inspired by the behavior of the dung beetle, which rolls balls of dung containing its eggs, the Egyptians associated this action with the sun god, Khepri, rolling the sun across the sky. The Scarab symbolized the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth; amulets in the shape of scarabs were worn as protection.

The ancient Egyptians believed that wearing or carrying a scarab amulet would protect them against evil forces and bring them good luck and prosperity. Scarabs were associated with the sun god Ra and were often inscribed with prayers or spells to provide guidance and protection in the afterlife.

• Where did the Beetle Scarab come from?

The Scarab beetle comes from a species of the dung beetle. The idea came from rolling the dung into a ball and laying its eggs in it, and when the eggs hatched, the dung was served as food for them. When Egyptians saw this phenomenon, they immediately associated the Scarab Khepri with the sun god Ra as his assistant because scarabs roll large balls of dung to lay their eggs. Hence, they thought this resembles the progression of the Sun through the sky from east to west.

• What does the scarab beetle symbolize and represent in ancient Egypt?

Scarab is the symbol of death, rebirth, immortality, and protection in the afterlife; it is much used in funerary art; later, it referred to the idea of existence, transformation, and divine manifestation.

Eye of Horus

The Eye of Horus is one of the most famous Egyptian Symbols. Today, we use it in jewelry and paintings, and it is a widely used symbol in tattoos. The left eye of Horus represents protection, health, and restoration, so it is an Egyptian symbol of protection.

One of the most recognizable and potent symbols in ancient Egypt is the Eye of Horus. Also known as the “Wadjet Eye,” it represents protection, healing, and royal power. The symbol is derived from the mythological story of Horus, the falcon-headed god and the son of Osiris and Isis. It is believed that Horus lost his eye during a battle with Seth, the god of chaos.

The Eye of Horus symbolizes the restoration of wholeness and the triumph of good over evil. It is often depicted as an eye with distinctive markings resembling those of a falcon, with the teardrop-shaped marking below representing the lost piece of the eye. The Eye of Horus was a popular amulet worn by ancient Egyptians to ward off evil and provide protection.

• What does the Eye of Horus symbolize?

Another story says that Horus took his left eye out for his father, Osiris, to eat to bring him back to life. In both stories, the eye symbolizes healing and being whole again. Although the ancient Egyptian civilization came to an end, the belief in the Eye of Horus’s energy continued and is still used. It’s usually made of gold, lapis lazuli, and carnelian.

• What is the Hieroglyphic meaning of the Eye of Horus?

Also, in hieroglyphic writing, the Eye of Horus was used as a mathematical symbol; every part of the six represents a measurement unit. Ex: the right side equals ½, the pupil ¼, the eyebrow 1/8, etc. More fractions were created by adding parts together. The most interesting is by adding all parts, the result is 63/64 and never 64/64. The missing piece represents the magic Power of Thot or the fact that nothing is perfect.

• The Myth behind the Eye of Horus and its meaning

According to Osiris and Isis’ famous Myth, when Horus reached adulthood, he thought to avenge his father’s death; he fought his uncle Set, and during the battle, Horus lost his left Eye that broke into six pieces. Thot, the god of Wisdom, magically restored Horus’s Eye, and then it became known as “Wadjet’: which means ”whole or “healthy, “and they started to believe it had healing power. Due to its protective and healing power, Horus’ Eye was used as an amulet for living and dead.

Eye of Ra

The Eye of Ra is a symbol of authority and protective powers associated with the Sun God Ra. Although it is associated with the destructive power of the Sun, it was used to protect buildings and people, so it is an Egyptian symbol of protection.

• What is the difference between the Eye of Ra and the Eye of Horus?

The Eye of Ra is differentiated from Horus’ Eye by drawing it as the right Eye. It is more powerful than Horus, as Ra’s Power of vision is unlimited. Ra was one of the most powerful gods in Ancient Egypt; that is why his eyes “can see everything.”

• What is the Myth behind the Eye of Ra?

Egyptians believe that Ra took his sun-boat every day when the Sunset went into the water and passed the 12 gates of the Underworld in the 12 hours of the night, then came back in the morning. That’s why they used to build their tombs on the left side of the Nile, enabling the deceased to accompany Ra during his trip to the netherworld so he wouldn’t stay in darkness.

A myth tells of Ra sending his Eye to watch over his children and protect them. Another one tells that when Ra became an old god, men maltreated him, so he sent his Eye or his daughter to punish humanity. The daughter raged and began to destroy humanity, but Ra, to rescue humanity, gave his Eye a red bear until it came drunk, peaceful, and returned to him.

Sometimes, the Eye of Ra was depicted as the sun disc encircled by two cobras.

Hekha and Nekhakha (Crook and Flail)

The crook is known in ancient Egypt as the Heka; its early use was by shepherds to control their sheepfold. The Flail, known as the Nakhakha, also has a farmer origin. It symbolizes the King’s power as it was a source of punishment to maintain order in society. The Flail is considered an Egyptian symbol of strength. They both date back to the Early dynastic period during the rule of the first king, Narmer.

• What do the Crook and Flail symbolize?

The Crook and Flail are symbolic of Kingship, signifying the Pharaoh’s dominion over Egypt’s land and Egyptian royalty symbols. They are seen with every King and Queen who ever ruled Egypt. They also symbolized that the Pharaoh was the shepherd for his people and provided them with food. They were usually made of wood and covered with gold.

• Why did Pharaohs carry a Crook and a Flail?

Crook and Flail were first associated with Geb, the god of earth, and Osiris inherited them. Hekha and Nekhakha were usually placed with the Pharaoh in his tomb; he held them in both hands in a cross form on his chest to symbolize divine authority.

Uraeus (Ancient Egyptian Cobra)

Uraeus, or the Cobra, is one of Egypt’s most ancient symbols. It was the emblem of Lower Egypt and an Egyptian goddess symbol representing the Goddess of Royalty and sovereignty, Wadjet. The Cobra was believed to have magical powers, and its presence on a royal crown meant “Protection of enemies.” Geb, the god of the earth, gave it to the pharaohs as a sign of Kingship; therefore, it was an Egyptian symbol of protection.

• What is the Myth behind the Uraeus?

The first Myth is connected to the origin of Uraeus in the Story of Ra; it is believed that the goddess Isis made the first one from the dust of the earth and the spittle of the Sun to acquire the throne for her husband, Osiris. Later, it was seen on the Kings’ crowns, and the most famous is one of Sensuret II; it was made of solid gold and black granite eyes measuring 6.7cm in length.

Lotus

It’s a symbol of Upper Egypt; it appeared to be bonded to the Papyrus as a sign of the unification of the two Egyptian kingdoms, the Upper and Lower. It was also associated with the Sun God Ra and later with Nefertum, the god of healing, medicine, and beauty.

• What does the Lotus Symbol mean?

The Lotus flower was called ‘Sesen’ in the Egyptian language; it is considered an Egyptian symbol in the alphabet. It wasn’t only famous in ancient Egypt; it is also popular in Buddism and Hinduism. The Lotus Symbol was associated with purity and cleanliness. It is also a symbol of the Sun, creation, and rebirth.

• Where was the Lotus Symbol found?

The Lotus flower is an ancient Egyptian symbol found frequently in hieroglyphic writing in tombs, on Papyrus, on thrones, and on the headdresses of divine pharaohs. The Book of Death also mentions a magic charm that can transform the dead into a Lotus flower, thus allowing his resurrection.

• What are the types of Lotus flowers?

In ancient Egypt, there were two types of lotus flowers: white and blue (the water lily). Later, the pink one came to Egypt from Persia.

• What does the Lotus Flower symbolize?

As the Lotus flower retracts into the water at night and then emerges the next day, it is associated with the Sun, which disappears in the night and re-emerges in the morning. That’s why it was a symbol of rebirth and regeneration. It is also an Egyptian symbol of love, as the lovers gave it to each other as a token of their love.

Nemes Headdress

Remember the famous golden mask of King Tut Ankh Amen? The boy king was wearing a Nemes Headdress. It is a fabric headcloth of blue and gold reaching the shoulders worn by ancient Egyptian rulers.

• What does the Nemes Headdress symbolize?

The Nemes dates as far back as the third Dynasty during the reign of King Djoser. The fourth Dynasty became the Royal Headdress, so it became an Egyptian symbol of Royalty. Later, Nemes’ use became a funerary representation of the Royal Ka, and it was worn by goddess Isis & Nephthys while performing their roles of mourners.

The Ka

• What does the Ka mean?

The Ka means soul or spirit; it was like a person’s twin living inside his body until death. After death, the Ka would leave the body, but not for good. If the body is well preserved, the Ka would return to it again and lead him through the 12 portals of the infernal world till the resurrection. That’s why ancient Egyptians were mummifying the deceased’s body so that the Ka could recognize him and find its way back to it. Because the “Ka” remains alive, they put food and drinks inside the tomb to find what it needs to go through resurrection.

• What is the Ka represented with?

In the ancient Egyptian language, the Ka is usually represented by two arms reaching up to the sky.

The Red Crown “Deshret”

Once Egypt was divided into two kingdoms: Lower Egypt, the Kingdom of the north, around the Nile Delta, and Upper Egypt, the Kingdom of the south. Each Kingdom has its Crown; the Red Crown belongs to the Lower Egypt Kingdom. Some gods and goddesses were depicted wearing this Crown to show that the ruler was blessed and protected by gods.

• What does the Red crown symbolize?

The Deshret symbolized the authority over Lower Egypt for whoever wears it. The Red Crown distinguishes the King’s Forehead from the Cobra, the Egyptian goddess symbol of “Wadjet,” the protector of Lower Egypt.

The White Crown “Hedjet”

• What is the Hedjet, and what does it symbolize?

The Crown of Upper Egypt, the South Kingdom, around the Nile Valley from south of Memphis to Aswan. It has a conical shape with a white color, an Egyptian symbol of Royalty and Upper Egypt; later, it was combined with the Red Crown “Deshret.”

• Who in Egypt wore the Hedjet?

The vulture Goddess Nekhbet was mostly depicted wearing it, and the Falcon God Horus was as well. While the King was wearing the White Crown, Nekhbet, the Vulture goddess, sometimes distinguished the King’s forehead as upper Egypt protector.

The Double Crown “Pschent”

• What does the Pschent symbolize?

It was a symbol of unified Egypt, and kings usually wore this crown to show their control over Egypt and as an Egyptian symbol of royalty. When King Menes or Narmer unified Egypt in the 2nd Dynasty (about 3200 BC) and became the King of North and South Egypt, the ruler’s crown became a combination of Red and White crowns, which symbolized Lower and Upper Egypt.

Blue Crown “Khepresh”

• What does the blue crown “Khepresh” represent and symbolize?

Khepresh is known as the War Crown, and its blue color represents the sky. Kings of the New Kingdom wore this crown during their wars as a symbol of sky protection and as an Egyptian symbol of Royalty. The first one was made for the Pharaoh Amenophis III, which is considered to be the evolved version of the cap crown. Archeology proves that it dates back to the Second Intermediate Period, as shown in Karnak Stela of Neferhotep III.

• What was the blue crown made of?

The Khepresh was made from rubber or cloth painted blue. It was adorned by golden discs and a twisting Uraeus—the goddess Wadjet—in the front.

• When was the blue crown worn?

The Blue crown was mainly worn in wars, but Ramses II was painted wearing it to celebrate his victory over the Hittites, and then it became a ceremonial crown of the King.

Ouroboros

• What is the Ouroboros?

The Ouroboros is one of the most significant and unique Egyptian symbols from Ancient Egypt. The Egyptian name for it was “Sed m ra,” which means “tail in the mouth.” It depicts a serpent with its tail in its mouth, continually devouring itself and being reborn from itself.

• What does the Ouroboros symbolize?

This is the symbol of rebirth, perpetuity, and immortality used in Egypt since 1600 B.C. It first appeared in King Tut’s Tomb as part of the Book of the Netherworld in the 14th century B.C.

• What does the Ouroboros mean?

Ouroboros also has several meanings. The lower part of it symbolizes the destructive force of nature, the night, and the yin. The Upper part symbolizes the generation, creative force, the day, and the yang. This symbol entered the Western World via some magical Papyrus. The name “Ouroboros” is a Greek name that means “devouring tail” and symbolizes Eternity, “The Beginning & The End.”

• What was the Ouroboros symbol used for?

It was a very popular symbol during the Roman era, used in magical talismans and emblems. Nowadays, it is one of the Egyptian symbols used as a tattoo.

Tree of Life

• What is the Tree of Life?

The Tree of Life is the most important symbol in Ancient Egypt’s mythology. Although many cultures and beliefs know it, the ancient Egyptians provided the oldest concept of this symbol.

• What does the Tree of life symbolize?

The Tree is located at the Sun Temple of Ra, the god of the Sun, at Heliopolis; it represents Ra’s soul, symbolizing the resurrection and the rising Sun. The fruit of this Tree guarantees eternal life and knowledge of the cycles of time, as the Tree holds the knowledge of the divine plan or the map of destiny. That’s why this fruit wasn’t for mortal persons; it was only available in the ritual in which gods refreshed Pharaoh’s aging or symbolized the Pharaoh’s unification with the gods, so it is an Egyptian religious symbol.

• What is the Tree of Life also known as?

It is also connected with the Myth of Creation and the nine gods of the Ennead of Heliopolis. The Tree of Life is also known as the sacred mythical Ished Tree, the Bennu Bird (Phoenix) home.

• What was the Tree of life used for?

During the coronation ceremony of a Pharaoh coronation, god Thot – the god of Wisdom – wrote the King’s name on its leaves and fruits to protect the King and perpetuate his name.

Later myths tell the story of the god Osiris, who was killed by his brother Seth—the evil god—and put in a coffin. Then, he was thrown into the Nile. The coffin became embedded in the base of the tamarisk, “the tree of life.”

Bennu Bird

• What is the Benu Bird?

You might know the Bennu bird from Harry Potter as the Phoenix that burned itself to flames and then rose from its ashes. The Bennu Bird is an ancient Egyptian symbol connected to Ra, the Sun god’s soul, and took the City of Heliopolis as its headquarters.

• Where did the name Benu come from?

The name Bennu came from “Weben” in ancient Egypt, which means “to rise” or to raise brilliant,” and it also might be the Egyptian goddess symbol for the goddess of motherhood.

• What does the Benu Bird represent?

The Tree of Life is the Bennu Bird seat; they both represent the concept of resurrection and the rising Sun. It was believed that the Bennu bird visits the temple once every 500 years and burns itself to ashes when it reaches 1461 years old.

Menat (Menet or Menit)

• What does the Menat symbol mean?

Menat is a necklace associated with the Goddess Hathor and her son Ihy since the sixth Dynasty. It has a strong religious meaning.

• Who used the Menat?

Hathor used this necklace as a medium to transmit her power. The Menat was used only by the elite in Ancient Egypt. The necklace appeared during the New Kingdom in King Tut Ankh Amen’s Tomb.

• What was the shape of the Menat, and what was it used for?

The Menat is a necklace with a crescent front, heavy collar, and counterweight at the back to keep it in position; it was used as a percussion instrument in religious functions.

• What does the Menat symbolize?

It is considered an Egyptian religious symbol; it symbolizes fertility, birth, life, and renewal. According to Hathor, part in the rebirth of the dead and her duty as the goddess of the western necropolis, Hathor was sometimes called “the Great Menat.” The Menat was seen after other goddesses, Isis and Nut, in their bovine forms.

Djed

• What does the Djed mean and symbolize?

The Djed is a famous Egyptian symbol. It symbolizes stability and is used in the Egyptian alphabet with that meaning. It is also the Egyptian goddess symbol for Osiris, usually known as the “Backbone of Osiris.” It was first associated with the God Ptah and symbolized creation; he usually appeared carrying a Scepter that combined the Djed and Ankh.

The Djed pillar is a symbol associated with stability, endurance, and resurrection. It represents the backbone of the god Osiris and is often depicted with other symbols of Osiris, such as the Atef crown and the flail. The Djed pillar was closely associated with the concept of resurrection and the eternal life of the pharaohs.

It was believed that by invoking the power of the Djed, one could gain strength and stability in life. The symbol was also connected to the annual flooding of the Nile River, symbolizing fertility and rejuvenation. The Djed pillar was often depicted in temple reliefs and tomb paintings, emphasizing its importance in the religious and spiritual beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.

• What is the shape of the Djed?

It consists of a column with a broad base that narrows as it rises to the capital and is crossed by four parallel lines; the Egyptians believed they held the four corners of the earth.

• What is the origin of the Djed?

The Djed is widely featured on pillars, tomb walls, and palace walls and painted on Papyrus. The origin of the Djed is unknown, but it first appeared in the Predynastic Dynasty till the last Dynasty in Egypt, before becoming a province in the Roman Empire.

Later, it was strongly associated with the God Osiris and his return from death. The Djed is one of the Egyptian symbols commonly drawn as a tattoo nowadays.

Ajet or Akhet

Ajet is an ancient Egyptian symbol used in hieroglyph writing; it is considered an Egyptian symbol and an alphabet.

• What does the Ajet represent?

It represents the Sun on top between the summits of two mountains and two lions protecting it. The two mountains are the Western and eastern sides of the Egyptian underworld, and the lions represent Aker, the god of the underworld; they represent yesterday and today. The symbol shows the natural phenomenon of sunrise and Sunset.

• What does the Ajet symbolize?

The Ajet symbolizes the concept of creation and rebirth.

Cartouche

• What is the Cartouche used for?

The Cartouche was a nameplate or seal used by all ancient Egyptian Pharaohs. It was an oval with a straight line at one end. Initially, it was circle-shaped, presenting the Sun on the horizon and containing the King’s name in the middle. This name tag wasn’t only to identify the King; it was also a powerful amulet protected from evil spirits by being connected to the Sun.

• What does the Cartouche symbolize?

A Cartouche is an Egyptian symbol of protection and the guide to the deceased’s souls, Ka and Ba, to reach their bodies when coming back to life. It represented Good Luck and protection from evil. In Hieroglyphs, it was used for the word “name.”

Crescent

• What does the Crescent symbolize?

The moon crescent was one of the most powerful luck symbols in ancient Egypt. It is a symbol inspired by Isis – all gods’ mother – so she is the goddess of motherhood, fertility, healing, and magic. The Crescent was used to bring good fortune to the mothers and their children, so it is an Egyptian symbol for the family.

Seba

• What does Seba mean?

Seba is the symbol of the star, which looks like a starfish. It is one of the Egyptian symbols in the alphabet; it means “learning” or “discipline.”

• What does Seba represent?

According to Ancient Egyptian beliefs, Seba was associated with doorways and gates in the world of death. When Seba is enclosed in a circle, it represents Duat or the other world, where the Sun disappears each night, and the Dead’s souls ascend after death. It’s where the deceased person passes to reach Osiris, the god of the world of death.

• What was the Seba used for?

In daily life, Stars were significant to the ancient Egyptians; they made their calendar according to them.

Sistrum

• What is a Sistrum?

The Sistrum is one of the most ancient and sacred musical instruments. It is in the shape of the Ankh and uses small movable rings made from bronze or brass to make sounds.

• What was the Sistrum used for?

The name Sistrum is derived from the sound it makes. It was used in religious ceremonies, so it is considered an Egyptian religious symbol. It was mainly used for the cult of Hathor; it is believed to get the attention of the gods and goddesses, sometimes to frighten Seth, and other times to prevent the flooding of the Nile.

The Sistrum was mainly used in the worship of Hathor, which is why one of the most popular presentations is in the Dendera Temple. Later, it was seen with Isis and Bastet as well. Shaking was also used to avoid flooding the Nile.

Amenta

• What does the Amenta symbolize?

Amenta is the symbol of the Underworld, and it represents the horizon where sunsets are. It symbolizes the Nile’s West Bank, which was used as a burial place. For ancient Egyptians, the West Bank was the Land of the Dead, as the Sun disappeared on this side. It’s where the journey of the afterlife begins. Amenta is the symbol of the Underworld or the Duat; thus, it was found abundantly in the Book of Death.

Feather of Maat

• What is the feather of Maat, and what does it symbolize?

Maat is the Ostrich goddess who set the world in order upon its creation. So, she became the goddess of order, balance, well-being, and justice. Maat also symbolized moral & ethical values. The Feather of Maat is a significant symbol in Ancient Egypt; it is the Egyptian goddess symbol for Maat herself, symbolizing the same morals.

The only one found in the tomb of a dead Pharaoh was the one found with Tut Ankh Amun, as it also was an Egyptian symbol of Royalty and strength.

• What was the feather of Maat used for?

The feather of Maat was used in the judicial process in the Hall of Two Truths; the deceased’s heart was weighed against the feather. If the heart equaled or was less than the feather’s weight, he would join Osiris in the Underworld. If the heart outweighed the feather, Ammit would eat it, and he would be cursed. This Egyptian symbol was also used in the alphabet, in the context of “ensuring justice,” and it was also an Egyptian symbol of love.

Was Scepter

• What does the Was Scepter symbolize?

The “Was Scepter” is an ancient Egyptian symbol of strength. It was widely used as a symbol of sovereignty and in Hieroglyphic writing to represent” Power.” It was also the symbol of Thebes. Sometimes, the “Was” scepter was associated with the “Heqa” or “Heq Scepter,” the symbol of divine power and authority.

• What is the shape of the Was Scepter?

The Was Scepter was a staff with an animal head and an open fork at the base, probably representing the animal’s legs. Its origins date from the First Dynasty, and it was known as the “Heqa,” or the cane used by shepherds to control their animals.

• Who held the Was Scepter?

Gods, pharaohs, and priests held it, and the animals differed from one to another, denoting their particular dominion. The staff was made of wood or faience and sometimes gold or silver. It was an emblem of authority and associated with wealth and happiness.

• What was the Was Scepter used for?

Besides being used as an amulet, the Was Scepter was also a type of magical fetish; it was believed to create a bond between the mortal world and the Underworld. Some gods combined the Was Scepter with the Ankh and Djed pillar-like god Ptah, who was known as the Sculptor of the Earth. It was found in the tombs of the Pharaohs, as it was believed to protect the well-being of the deceased.

Tyet (Knot of Isis)

• What is the Tyet, and what does it look like?

Tyet/Tjet is a famous ancient Egyptian symbol known as the Knot of Isis, the blood of Isis, or sometimes as the Isis girdle. It is very similar to the Ankh in shape but with arms bent downwards. The Tyet dates back to the predynastic period; it was mainly used with the Djed.

During the 3rd Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, Tyet became a popular decorative symbol. In the New Kingdom, when Isis’s cult was at its peak, Tyet was associated with the Djed, representing Osiris, Isis’s husband.

• What was the Tyet used for?

The Tyet was a funerary amulet made of red stone or glass. It was thought to bind magic as well, and the Book of the Dead mentioned that it should be buried with the mummy.

According to ancient texts, this amulet keeps the deceased person strong and protects him from whoever can harm him. When it is paired with the Ankh, it offers protection from Isis and Osiris, as it is believed to be an Egyptian symbol of protection.

• What does the Tyet symbolize?

The Tyet was a symbol of eternal life and resurrection; the origin of Tyet is not certain but is linked to blood, Power, and regeneration. Anyway, it represents Isis in her role as a universal mother so that it might act as an Egyptian symbol of family.

Shen

• What is the shape of the Shen, and what does it represent?

The Shen has the shape of a circle with a perpendicular line at its bottom. It represents a stylized loop of rope with ends tied together. In hieroglyphic writing, it represents the word “Shenou,” which means encircle.

• What does the Shen symbolize?

As the circle has no end, the Shen ring symbolizes infinity and eternity. When an enclosing sun disk represents it, it symbolizes the Eternity of life, as the Sun was the meaning of life in ancient Egypt. When deities grip the Shen, it means protection.

• What was the Shen used for?

Starting in the Old Kingdom, Shen was primarily associated with Horus the falcon and Nekhbet, the vulture who held Shen above the King’s head to protect him. The most prominent god related to the Shen was “Huh,” who represents infinity & Eternity

During the Middle Kingdom, Shen became very popular as a jewelry item and as an amulet worn by Kings, Nobles, and Priests.

Starting in the New Kingdom, Shen became more popular. It was presented in tombs and sarcophagi as a protection symbol. From the 26th Dynasty onwards, Shen was used by common people.

• Who used the Shen?

The Cartouche is the elongated form of the Shen ring, which symbolizes infinity and is used only by elites such as Pharaohs, Princes, Nobles, and Priests.

Hieroglyphics and Their Symbols

Hieroglyphics was the ancient Egyptian writing system, consisting of a complex array of symbols and pictorial representations. Each hieroglyphic symbol had its meaning, ranging from objects and animals to abstract concepts. The hieroglyphics offered a glimpse into the ancient Egyptians’ daily lives, beliefs, and history. Some common hieroglyphic symbols include the sun, the pharaoh’s cartouche, birds, and geometric shapes. The decipherment of hieroglyphics by Jean-François Champollion in the early 19th century was a significant breakthrough in understanding ancient Egyptian culture.

The hieroglyphic symbols represented sounds and ideas, allowing the ancient Egyptians to express themselves versatilely. Hieroglyphics were used to record historical events, document religious rituals, and convey everyday activities. The symbols were often inscribed on temple walls, tombs, and papyrus scrolls. The complexity of hieroglyphics necessitated the training of scribes, who played a crucial role in ancient Egyptian society. The written language provided a means to communicate with the gods, honor the pharaohs, and preserve knowledge for future generations.

Symbols of Rebirth: Egyptian Symbol of Life

In ancient Egyptian culture, rebirth and the life cycle were deeply ingrained beliefs. The Egyptians used various symbols to represent rebirth, renewal, and the continuity of life. One prominent symbol associated with rebirth and the eternal cycle is the Egyptian Symbol of Life, commonly known as the Ankh.

The Ankh, often called the “Key of Life” or “Crux Ansata,” is a powerful and widely recognized symbol in ancient Egypt. It consists of a cross-like shape with a loop at the top. The loop represents the sun rising above the horizon, symbolizing life and vitality. The vertical line represents the connection between the earthly realm and the divine. Together, they signify the union of male and female energies and the eternal cycle of life.

The Ankh was considered a symbol of everlasting life and held great significance in religious and spiritual contexts. It was often depicted in the hands of gods and goddesses, indicating their divine authority and immortality. Pharaohs, as the earthly embodiment of gods, were frequently depicted holding the Ankh, symbolizing their divine right to rule and eternal connection to the gods.

The Ankh also had ties to fertility and the life-giving powers of the Nile River. It was believed that wearing or carrying an Ankh amulet could ensure protection, good health, and a prosperous life. The symbol was often depicted in tombs and funerary art, emphasizing the belief in an afterlife and the hope for rebirth and continuity beyond death.

Additionally, the Ankh was associated with the goddess Isis, who played a significant role in the story of the resurrection of her husband, Osiris. According to Egyptian mythology, Osiris was murdered by his brother Seth but was later revived by Isis. The Ankh symbolizes Isis’ ability to restore life and her connection to resurrection and rebirth.

Beyond the Ankh, other symbols associated with rebirth in ancient Egyptian culture include the scarab beetle and the lotus flower. The scarab beetle symbolized transformation and regeneration, as it was believed to lay its eggs in balls of dung that nourished the larvae. This behavior was seen as a representation of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The lotus flower, with its ability to bloom anew each day after submerging in water during the night, was also seen as a symbol of rebirth and the soul’s resurrection.

In conclusion, the ancient Egyptians revered rebirth and the eternal cycle of life. The Egyptian Symbol of Life, the Ankh, was a powerful representation of these beliefs. Its association with gods, pharaohs, and the life-giving forces of the sun and fertility underscored its significance. The Ankh, along with other symbols such as the scarab beetle and the lotus flower, served as reminders of the everlasting nature of life and the enduring hope for rebirth and continuity, both in this world and the afterlife.

Conclusion

Ancient Egyptian symbols have endured the test of time, capturing our imagination and allowing us to glimpse the beliefs and values of this extraordinary civilization. From the powerful Eye of Horus to the eternal Ankh, each symbol carries a profound meaning that resonates with us even today. Exploring these symbols gives us a deeper understanding of the ancient Egyptians’ spiritual and cultural practices. Their intricate art, architecture, and hieroglyphics serve as a lasting legacy, reminding us of this ancient civilization’s remarkable achievements and mysteries. As we continue to study and interpret these symbols, we uncover new insights into the lives of the ancient Egyptians and gain a greater appreciation for their enduring legacy.