Ankh cross: meaning of the Egyptian sign of life and how to wear it
The ankh, or crux ansata, is the Egyptian hieroglyph for life, held by the gods. Its origins, meaning, Coptic and modern uses, and tips for wearing it respectfully.
Key points
| Name | Ankh (ꜥnḫ), crux ansata, “key of life” |
|---|---|
| Meaning of the word | “Life”; also “mirror” in Egyptian |
| Form | A T surmounted by an oval loop |
| Earliest examples | First Dynasty (around 3000 BCE) |
| Origin of the form | Unknown: sandal strap, knot, mirror, etc. |
| Christian use | Crux ansata among the Copts |
| Modern uses | Kemetism, African culture, goth style, jewellery |
What is the ankh?
The ankh is a sign of Egyptian hieroglyphic writing: a T whose top bar is surmounted by a loop. It writes the consonants ꜥ-n-ḫ, and it is the word meaning “life”. Since hieroglyphs are written with consonants, the same sequence of sounds also serves other words, including the word “mirror”: it is a homophony, unrelated to any idea of reflection.
It is sometimes called the “key of life” or the “crux ansata” (from the Latin ansa, “handle”). These names are modern, but they describe the object well: a cross surmounted by a loop.
Where its form comes from
The shape already exists in the First Dynasty, around 3000 BCE, but it is not known what it originally depicted. Hypotheses abound: the Egyptologist Alan Gardiner saw a sandal strap, others a knot, a mirror or an anatomical form. None is conclusive.
It is a good illustration of a principle of this dictionary: the meaning of a symbol is sometimes better known than its material origin.
The sign in art and religion
On the walls of temples and tombs, gods hold the ankh, often by its loop, or bring it close to the nose and mouth of the king: they transmit to him the breath of life. In the time of Akhenaten (Amarna), the rays of the solar disc (Aten) end in small hands that offer ankhs to the royal family.
It also appears on amulets, metal mirrors and sceptres, and in pharaohs’ names: “Tutankhamun” means “living image of Amun” (ankh: living). It often combines with two other signs, the was (power) and the djed (stability), to wish for “life, stability, power”.
The ankh among Coptic Christians
The Christians of Egypt (the Copts) used a looped cross, the crux ansata, as a variant of the cross, notably in the first centuries. A link with the sign of life is seen there, but historians remain cautious about the exact continuity: the adoption is a fact, the precise intention is debated.
Today the Coptic Church mainly uses the cross with equal arms. If you give a crux ansata, it is better to say “Egyptian sign of life” than “Christian cross”.
The ankh today
| Context | Use |
|---|---|
| Kemetism (Egyptian neopaganism) | Religious symbol of life and of the divine |
| African culture and Afrocentrism | Marker of identity and of the memory of ancient Egypt |
| From the 1960s onwards | Western fashion, hippie then goth, popularised by cinema |
| Jewellery | Pendant, ring, earrings |
The sign has two Unicode characters, which shows its success. For many people, it is a serious symbol; for others, a decorative motif. Both uses coexist.
What the ankh is not
- It is not a symbol of eternal life in the Christian sense: the Egyptian word refers to life in general, in this world and the next.
- It is not a sign of “magical powers”: the Egyptians used it as a wish and as writing.
- It should not be confused with the cross of Saint Peter, the Latin cross or the symbol of Venus (♀, which is a circle surmounted by a cross).
- It is not an “occult” or “evil” symbol: that idea comes from films and series.
Wearing it with respect
For a person who practises Kemetism or who identifies with the Egyptian heritage, the ankh carries a personal-identity or spiritual value. Wearing an ankh is not forbidden, but think about its meaning and avoid caricatured uses.
If you buy an “ankh in stone”, know that the stones of Egyptian civilisation (carnelian, lapis lazuli, turquoise, jasper) are today often imitated; see carnelian and lapis lazuli, and our Our commitments page on the nature of our stones. If you are offered an “authentic Egyptian” object, be wary: the trade in antiquities is strictly regulated.
Frequently asked questions
What does the ankh mean?
It is the Egyptian word for “life”, written with a sign shaped like a T surmounted by a loop.
Is the ankh a cross?
It is sometimes called a crux ansata, but it is an Egyptian hieroglyph that predates Christianity. The Copts later took a variant of the cross from it.
Why do gods hold an ankh?
Because they are believed to give and sustain life, notably to the king, who distributes it.
Can you wear an ankh without being Egyptian?
Yes, with respect: by knowing its meaning and without presenting it as an object of power.
What is the difference between the ankh and the symbol of Venus?
The symbol of Venus (♀) is a closed circle surmounted by a cross; the ankh is a T surmounted by an oval loop.
Also read
The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice. Back to Symbol dictionary.