egyptian symbols and names

1. Ankh. The ankh provided the key to the gates of death and what lay beyond. ...
2. The Sphinx. A statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human or animal, the sphinx represents a form of the sun god.
3. Lotus. As a symbol of rebirth, the lotus is a fixed part of the tomb and coffin decoration, often in combination with the scarab, which has a similar symbolic ...
4. Eye. A Wedjat/Udjat 'Eye of Horus' pendant. It was one of the most important symbols in ancient Egypt. ...
5. Crook And Flail. Left: The crook and flail on the coffinite of Tutankhamun; Right: Pharaoh Akhenaten with crook and flail.
'Was'-Sceptre. The long staff, called a 'was' sceptre was depicted with many Egyptian gods and goddesses and priests.
The Crocodile. Statue of the crocodile god Sobek in fully animal form, possibly a cult image from a temple. 12th Dynasty.
The Falcon. As the embodiment of Horus, the falcon wears a double crown. ...
Uraeus. According to the Story of Re, the first uraeus was created by the goddess Isis who formed it from the dust of the earth and the spittle of ...
Bennu Bird. ‘Benu’-bird (the Phoenix). Inerkhau (“Onuris appears” – Onuris was a Greek inflection of the name of the god Iny-Hor) who was the son of Hay and his ...
Baboon. Baboon was sacred and often considered a solar animal by the ancient Egyptians. Image via Metropolitan Museum.
Scarab. Green jasper human-headed heart-scarab of Sobekemsaf II set in gold mount bearing incised Hieroglyphic text.

Full Answer

What are Egyptian symbols and their meanings?

Top 28 Ancient Egyptian Symbols and their meanings

• Egyptian Ankh. The symbol of the cross “Ankh”, also known as Anj, is an ancient Egyptian hieroglyph that symbolizes eternal life and is one of the most famous ancient Egyptian ...
• Eye of Horus. ...
• Scarab Beetle. ...
• Pilar Djed. ...
• The ancient Egyptian symbol “Tyet”. ...
• Maat’s pen. ...
• Egyptian Maat. ...
• Ka and Ba. ...
• Seba. ...
• Shen Ring. ...

More items...

What are the symbols of ancient Egypt?

Lucky Symbols of Ancient Egypt

1. SPHINX. In Ancient Egypt and Greek mythology, Sphinx is an unreal creature in the form of a lion with a human head.
2. BAST. Generally, Bast is portrayed as a black cat. ...
3. EYE OF HORUS. The eye of Horus is a charm which has been used to protect from the evil eye in ancient Egypt. ...
4. SCARAB. This is the most popular talisman in Egypt. ...
5. ANKH. ...

What are some Egyptian signs?

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What is the Egyptian god symbol?

• As a primordial deity, Amun-Ra was a symbol of fertility and protection.
• Amun-Ra came to represent all aspects of life and creation after his transition to Ra.
• In later Egyptian mythology, Amun-Ra was an emblem for the poor, and he championed their rights and privileges.

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What is the most famous Egyptian symbol?

The Eye of Ra is the most famous ancient Egyptian symbol, and it was used as an amulet to protect from evil spirits, disease, harmful animals, and envy.

What different Egyptian symbols mean?

1- Ankh Symbol – Represents Life & Immortality. 2- Eye of Hours – Egyptian Symbol of Protection & Health. 3- Eye of Ra – Ancient Egyptian Symbol of Sun. 4- Ouroboros – Represents Cycle of the Life & Rebirth. 5- Amenta – Represents the Land of the Dead.

What is the symbol of power in Egypt?

The sceptre, or rod, is one of the oldest and most enduring symbols associated with royalty and the deities. Two types of sceptres are found in Egyptian art. The was, a symbol of power and dominion, has a straight shaft, a crooked handle in the shape of an animal head and a forked base.

What were the symbols of the two Egypts?

Some of the most important symbols were:Ankh.Djed.Was Scepter.Numbers.Scarab.Tjet.Crook & Flail.Shen.More items...

Which is the most powerful symbol?

Get to know the six most influential symbols in the universe, then embrace their vibrations in your life.The Hamsa, the healing hand. ... The Ankh, key of life. ... The Cross, a sign of infinite love. ... The Eye of Horus, the great protector. ... Om, harmony with the universe. ... The Lotus, flower of awakening.

Is the Eye of Ra evil?

The Eye of Ra is not usually associated with evil but rather with power and violence. It was used in ancient Egyptian culture as an amulet of protection for pharaohs who thought it helped bring harmony.

What is the Egyptian symbol of love?

The Eye of RaNote: The Eye of Ra is an ancient Egyptian symbol of protection, love, good health, royal authority, and power.

What is the Egyptian symbol for eternal love?

The word shen itself means, in ancient Egyptian, encircle, while the shen ring represented eternal protection. The Shen is a representation of infinity and permanence. Considered a romantic love token, “Shen” rings symbolized the eternal and were used by couples to mark special occasions.

What does Cleopatra symbolize?

While queen of Egypt (51–30 BCE), Cleopatra actively influenced Roman politics at a crucial period and was especially known for her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. She came to represent, as did no other woman of antiquity, the prototype of the romantic femme fatale.

What are the most famous Ancient Egyptian symbols for Healing?

The Ancient Egyptians believed deeply in the power of healing which played a vital role in every part of their lives. There were many symbols that...

What Are the Finest Destinations to Visit in Egypt?

The entire country of Egypt deserve to be explored with its every heavenly detail but there are places that must be seen before any other such as t...

What Are Egypt's Visa Requirements?

If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries, have a valid passport with at l...

What Is the Top Traditional Egyptian Food?

Egypt has a variety of delicious cuisines but we recommend “Ful & Ta’meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)”, Mulukhiya, “Koshary”, a traditional Egyptian p...

What is the Best Time to Visit Egypt?

The best time to travel to Egypt is during the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a little tropical accompanied by a magical atm...

What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?

You should pack everything you could ever need in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.

Why Book With "Egypt Tours Portal"?

We have been creating the finest vacations for more than 20 years around the most majestic destinations in Egypt. Our staff consists of the best op...

Is it Safe to Travel to Egypt?

You will feel safe in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is quite peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuri...

What to Wear While in Egypt?

Wear whatever feels right and comfortable. It is advised to wear something light and comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the ter...

Why did Egyptian gods have animal heads?

Egyptian gods were most likely a symbolism of different powers more than iteral physical beings. The powers each God that was associated with were...

What did Sobek look like?

Sobek has been represented through a crocodile figure, a mummified crocodile, or a man with a crocodile's head. He wore a plumed crown with a horne...

What is the eye of Anubis Symbol?

The significance of a "eye of Anubis" tattoo varies depending on the individual. It can be worn as a protective emblem, a symbol of transcending to...

How does the Symbol of Isis look like?

She was usually shown as a gorgeous woman wearing a sheath dress and a solar disc and cow's horns on her head, or as a beautiful woman wearing a sh...

Did the Egyptians worship cats?

Felines were not worshipped by Egyptians. Instead, they thought cats are 'feline' deities possessed some of very special animal's characteristics....

Which god did hippos represent?

The hippopotamus was associated with the deity Seth, who was eventually portrayed as a villain. Horus was the legendary prototype for a ruler, and...

What is the symbol of the Egyptian god Maat?

One of the most recognized and famous ancient Egyptian symbols is the feather of Maat that was one of the forms of the goddess Maat who represented the ancient Egyptians concepts of order, harmony, law, balance, morality, truth, and justice.

How did Egyptian symbols affect life?

Ancient Egyptian symbols have affected life in ancient Egypt which was a fusion between the spiritual and the physical aspects that became the foundation of their culture that showed in the form of artistic architecture, symbols, amulets, and many objects that were used to bring good fortune and protection.

What does the Ajet symbol mean?

The Ajet is an ancient Egyptian symbol that was used in the writing of hieroglyphs which meant representation of the horizon and the sun. The Ajet represents the natural phenomenon of sunrise and sunset plus the concepts of creation and rebirth.

What is the symbol of the Nile?

The ancient Egyptian Symbol was referred to as the key of the Nile which represents the eternal union of heaven and earth. The Symbol was often seen with the Djed and the Was Symbols. Note: The Ankh is considered to be an ancient Egyptian symbol for Life, Protection, Faith, Energy, transformation, Light, and fertility.

What does the crook represent in Egypt?

The Crook represents the caring wisdom of the Pharaoh as the shepherd and the fail represents the scourge needed to maintain the order within the society.

What is the meaning of the Egyptian crook and flail?

The Crook and the Flail was considered a symbol of the state’s power and the king’s absolute might and control over his subjects. The word “ Hekha ” is an epithet of Osiris which means “ To Rule ” and considered a symbol for royal power and dominion.

What are the four jars in Egyptian mythology?

The ancient Egyptians have four jars that were used to hold organs like intestines, lungs, the stomach, and liver after being removed from the body, embalmed, anointed then wrapped in linen. The heart that remained inside the body contained the soul. The jars were placed inside a canopic chest then buried inside the tombs with the sarcophagus of the deceased. They were carved from limestone or pottery and used from the old kingdom till the Ptolemaic period. The heads of the jars wear carved to resemble the “ Four Sons of Horus ” who were also considered the cardinal compass points; the baboon-headed Happy, the jackal-headed Duamutef, the human-headed Imsety, and the falcon-headed Qebehsenuef.

What are some examples of hieroglyphic symbols?

Some examples of hieroglyphs which represent sounds include the owl (“m”), lasso (“o”), and two reeds (“y”).

How many letters are in the Egyptian alphabet?

A brief guide to the Egyptian alphabet. The ancient Egyptians hieroglyphic system is quite vast – with over 700 symbols, it is much larger than the 26 letters used in the English alphabet. Most ancient Egyptians were unable to read and write; scribes were responsible for this.

Why are hieroglyphs considered sacred?

This may in part be due to the belief that hieroglyphs were “the gods’ words”; that writing was the gods’ invention and was as such, sacred. While originally archaeologists thought each hieroglyph represented a word, we now know that their system is much more complex.

Why did the Scribes use hieroglyphs?

Many new scribes were employed to use hieroglyphs to count and keep track of numbers of crops or livestock. They would keep their used papyrus scrolls in a briefcase for later use; this kept their work organised. They also had a small case containing all their tools and fresh papyrus scrolls.

What does the Ankh represent?

It represents the word “life” and life itself, as well as heaven, male & female, the morning sun, and the earth. It was often used to express the desire for someone to live – e.g. “may you live and be well”, and was held as a key to eternal life. Its beautiful shape was emulated by neighbouring cultures, who adapted it in many different ways, such as by using it as a variation of the Christian cross. Nowadays it is often associated with the Goth subculture.

Why did the Egyptians wear the eye of Horus?

Horus was a sky god who offered his left eye to his father, Osiris, in an attempt to bring him back to life. Due to its association with protection, many Ancient Egyptians wore the Eye of Horus as an amulet, and also placed them on the dead to protect them in the afterlife.

Why were hieroglyphs important?

Including hieroglyphs in tombs was considered extremely important, especially for a pharaoh’s tomb, as the symbols were considered a way to help them reach the afterlife. It was important that the right spell, or combination of hieroglyphs, were used.

What are the symbols of ancient Egypt?

The Sphinx. Hedjet Crown. Deshret Crown. The Pyramids. Scarab Beetle. Tree of Life. Lotus. The symbols of ancient Egypt are some of the most recognizable and iconic visual images in the world. Egyptian symbols are much more than just an old hieroglyphic language.

What are hieroglyphic symbols?

Hieroglyphs were the symbols used in the formal writing system of Ancient Egypt. The hieroglyphic language of the ancient Egyptians is easily recognizable, compared to other old hieroglyphic languages, because of their distinct style and beauty. There are many variations to symbols. They can range from simple line images to complex drawings of animals, people, and objects.

What is the Deshret symbol?

Like the Hedjet, the Deshret was the name given to the Red Crown of Lower Egypt. It represented power, divine authority to rule and sovereignty. It is one part of the Pschent, which was the combination of both the Hedjet and the Deshret together with their animal symbols – vulture and rearing cobra.

What is the white crown of Egypt?

Known as the White Crown, the Hedjet was a royal headdress associated with Upper Egypt and the Goddess Wadjet. It typically featured a uraeus. Later on, when Lower and Upper Egypt became unified, the Hedjet was combined with the headgear of Lower Egypt, known as the Deshret. The two would come to be known as the Pschent.

Why is the tyet called the blood of Isis?

It was also believed to represent the menstrual blood of Isis, which was viewed as having magical powers. This is also why the tyet was sometimes called the Blood of Isis. Some scholars suggest that the tyet appears to be in the shape of a sanitary napkin used in ancient Egypt to absorb menstrual blood.

What does the pyramid symbol mean?

They were often shown in a hieroglyphic form and carried the meaning of death, the afterlife, and finding one’s way to it. Today, there are even more myths surrounding the Egyptian pyramids.

What is the knot of Isis?

The Knot of Isis, typically called the tyet, is an ancient Egyptian symbol associated with the goddess Isis. It’s similar in appearance to an Ankh, but the difference is that the tyet’s arms face downwards.

Ankh Egyptian Symbol

Ankh, also known as Anj, is an ancient Egyptian hieroglyph that represents perpetual life and is one of the most well-known ancient Egyptian symbols. This is one of the most common hieroglyphs in writings and Egyptian art, always in reference to the gods. The Egyptians believed that the gods were in charge of perpetual life.

Eye of Horus

The Eye of Horus is an ancient Egyptian emblem of safety and healthy life. Horus, the deity of heaven who is portrayed as a hawk or a man with a hawk’s head, inspired the emblem. Osiris, Horus’ father, was slain by his brother Seth, according to Egyptian mythology. Horus pursued justice and lost his left eye in a series of battles with Seth.

Scarab Beetle

The scarab beetle is an ancient Egyptian emblem associated with the deity Jepri, a sun god who is said to represent one of the sun god Ra’s various forms. Dung beetles lay their eggs in dung balls, which they subsequently insert into a hole in the earth.

Djed Pilar Egyptian Symbol

In Egyptian mythology, the Djed Pillar is one of the oldest Egypt symbols. It is linked to Ptah, the creation deity, and Osiris, the god of death, and represents power and stability. This symbol is also known as Osiris’ backbone because of its connection to the deity Osiris. Amulets in the shape of Pilar Djed’s sign were popular among Egyptians.

Maat Egyptian Symbol

According to Egyptian mythology, this Egyptian symbol was used at Osiris’s trial. When a departed person arrived in the afterlife, he or she was subjected to a trial. The decedent’s heart was placed on one side of a scale, and Maat’s feather on the other, during Osiris’s trial.

Ka and Ba Symbols in Egypt

According to Egyptian mythology, the names Ka and Ba signify the two halves of the human spirit. Every person was born with a spiritual element known as Ka. The Ka symbol in Egypt was thought to be an essence apart from the human body, but one that had to stay within it.

Seba Symbol

This ancient Egyptian symbol was used to depict the stars in Egyptian art. The Egyptians were well-versed in the heavens and constellations. This emblem was frequently used to embellish temples and tomb interiors.

What is symbology in Egypt?

In many cases, the symbology that some images have in their context brings us to a deeper level of understanding. Especially this happens in Egypt, where magic and man are intertwined, in many cases imitating the external form of some object and linking it to deities with certain characteristics.

What is the Egyptian symbol for stars?

Seba. This ancient Egyptian symbol was used in Egyptian art to represent the stars. The Egyptians had a good knowledge of the stars and the constellations. They often used this symbol to decorate the temples and the interior of the tombs.

What did the Egyptians believe about the Ankh?

The Egyptians had the belief that the gods had dominion over eternal life. For this reason, the depictions of their gods with the Ankh symbolized their power over life and death. Many times the gods were represented by holding an ankh by its tie with their hands.

Why did the Egyptians use symbols?

Ancient Egyptian symbols were used during different periods of Egyptian civilization to represent all kinds of concepts and ideas from their mythology. Many of these symbols were related to some Egyptian gods. The Egyptians used these symbols to decorate their temples, to represent their gods in their inscriptions, ...

What is the red crown of Egypt?

Deshret, from ancient Egypt, was the formal name of the Red Crown of Lower Egypt and the red desert land on either side of Kemet (Black Land), the fertile Nile river basin. When combined with the Hedjet (white crown) of Upper Egypt, which forms the Pschent (Double Crown), in ancient Egypt it calls the Sekhmet.

What does the eye of Horus represent?

For this reason, the eye of Horus could also symbolize sacrifice, recovery, and protection. The two eyes of Horus have a special symbolism in Egyptian mythology. Traditionally his right eye was associated with the Sun, while the left eye was associated with the Moon.

Why are beetles important to Egyptians?

The Egyptians made all kinds of beetle-shaped amulets, known as scarabs, to symbolize the Sun, the resurrection, and to obtain its protection in life and death. They also made funeral amulets in the shape of a beetle.

Ankh (life symbol)

The ankh is a very significant symbol in ancient Egypt. Its hieroglyphs, translated to English as "the key of life" literally means eternal life and has long been associated with rituals performed by priests or royalty meant for everlasting existence on Earth.

Papyrus symbol

Papyrus plants were a symbol of Lower Egypt, and they had many uses in ancient times. The plant's leaves are tough enough to be used as paper, while the stems can be woven into mats or basketry.

Uraeus symbol

Uraeus is a rearing cobra that has become an important symbol associated with the Gods, Goddesses, and Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. The Greeks called it ‘uroæus’ which means "tail snake".

What does the eye represent in Egypt?

Protective eye amulets were worn by both the living and the dead; the eye represented a unified Egypt , and action, anger, or protection.

What is the name of the animal that the Egyptians worshipped?

The baboon - believed to be a solar animal by the ancient Egyptians - was admired for its intelligence and held several positions in Egyptian mythology. The baboon god Baba was worshiped in Pre-Dynastic times of Egypt, and the animal name 'baboon' could originate from this god's name.

What does the Ankh symbol mean?

It has been suggested it was a sandal-strap or a magic knot. The hieroglyphic sign of ankh means "life" and symbolized divine , eternal existence. Being the attribute of the gods, the ankh is handed to the king and when held to the nose of a dead pharaoh ensures his everlasting existence.

What did the Ankh represent?

Many of them represented gods. 1. Ankh. The ankh provided the key to the gates of death and what lay beyond. The ankh was the sign of life that indicated the power to give or take away life, and could not be carried by ordinary Egyptians. The original meaning of the "ankh" is still under debate.

What did the Egyptians believe about the afterlife?

The Egyptians believed that the Afterlife was as meaningful as the present one, and the ankh provided the key to the gates of death and what lay beyond. As a symbol of imperishable vital force, the ankh was used on temple walls, stelae, in friezes of objects, especially near the feet.

What is the snake in Egyptian mythology?

In myths, the snake had many associations, for example as the Eye of Ra, the Eye of Horus, and the crown of Lower Egypt.

What did the Egyptians worship?

The ancient Egyptians worshipped this crocodile as the embodiment of Sobek, the croc odile god, and many were mummified after their deaths. During the great festival of Horus, there was a custom to destroy two cursed clay figurines of crocodiles. In the underworld, the deceased were often threatened by a crocodile.

What is the most common symbol in the Egyptian dynasty?

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

What is the symbol of life in Egypt?

The Egyptians also wore it as an amulet, so it is a symbol for protection.

Why did Horus take his left eye out?

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 was a symbol for healing and being whole again. Although the ancient Egyptian civilization came to an end, the belief the Eye of Horus energy continued and still used.

What was the golden mask of Tut Ankh Amen?

Remember the famous Golden mask of King Tut Ankh Amen? The boy-king was wearing a Nemes Headdress. It is a fabric head-cloth of Blue and gold reaching the shoulders and was worn by ancient Egypt's rulers.

What does the Ankh symbolise?

The Ankh symbolizes many things like 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.

What does the Amenta symbol mean?

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.

What does Seba mean in Egypt?

According to Ancient Egyptians 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.

What is the Egyptian hieroglyphics?

Egyptian Hieroglyphics includes detailed information on the history of Egyptian writing and mathematics, the use of the different types of symbols, how to write your name, how to recognize kings names and the story of the scribe with a video showing how papyrus is made. The Hieroglyphic Typewriter. With Print Functions.

What are the different types of hieroglyphics?

Hieroglyphic signs are divided into four categories: 1 Alphabetic signs represent a single sound. Unfortunately the Egyptians took most vowels for granted and did not represent such as ‘e’ or ‘v’. So we may never know how the words were formed. 2 Syllabic signs represent a combination of two or three consonants. 3 Word-signs are pictures of objects used as the words for those objects. they are followed by an upright stroke, to indicate that the word is complete in one sign. 4 A determinative is a picture of an object which helps the reader. For example; if a word expressed an abstract idea, a picture of a roll of papyrus tied up and sealed was included to show that the meaning of the word could be expressed in writing although not pictorially.

What are the four categories of hieroglyphics?

Hieroglyphic signs are divided into four categories: Alphabetic signs represent a single sound. Unfortunately the Egyptians took most vowels for granted and did not represent such as ‘e’ or ‘v’. So we may never know how the words were formed. Syllabic signs represent a combination of two or three consonants.

How to read hieroglyphics?

Hieroglyphs are written in rows or columns and can be read from left to right or from right to left. You can distinguish the direction in which the text is to be read because the human or animal figures always face towards the beginning of the line. Also the upper symbols are read before the lower.

What is a syllabic sign?

Syllabic signs represent a combination of two or three consonants. Word-signs are pictures of objects used as the words for those objects. they are followed by an upright stroke, to indicate that the word is complete in one sign. A determinative is a picture of an object which helps the reader.