subject: Hieroglyphic Tattoos - The Ankh [print this page] Hieroglyphic Tattoos - The Ankh Hieroglyphic Tattoos - The Ankh
The History Behind Hieroglyphs
The Egyptian writing system is one of the oldest in the world. They made letters based on pictures of the well-known objects. They called it the words of gods". The name of the Egyptian alphabet came from the Greeks they named it hieroglyphica the sacred carved letters".
They were called carved because they were found in stone temples and pyramids on walls, as a kind of code that would help the dead to negotiate the journey in the afterlife. The mystery and the ancient notion that still surrounds hieroglyphs are just one reason why they have appeared in tattoo forms, and got over the world quickly.
Ankh Tattoos
Almost all Egyptian tattoos are connected to hieroglyphs, especially if they show a glyph in itself. Probably the most frequently requested amongst them is the Ankh.
The Ankh is actually a hieroglyph symbolizing life or the breath of life". It appears in almost each Egyptian temple artwork, and also Pyramids, and countless scripts. In recent years, it has been known as the key of life", as linguists get closer and closer to its meaning. It looks like a key, so it is thought to have been believed to unlock the gates of death. It represents never ending life above all. Analyzing its shape, we come to the conclusion that it is a hybrid of two universal symbols the cross and the circle. The circle may represent sunrise, while the cross may be the path to the sun. Its main association is never ending life, so it is no wonder it is such popular.
The Ankh mainly looks good in smaller forms, so look for a comfortable place on your arms or upper body for your new Ankh tattoo.
