With about 6.000 years of recorded history behind it, Egypt has definitely build a rich treasure of cultural, practices and beliefs, many of which still have great meaning in modern life. Some ancient Egyptian symbol, for example, is still embodied in Egyptian jewelry and art and literature as well.
Culture and Gods of Ancient Race
Back in time, once can see that the rich Egyptian cultural symbols, amulets, talismans and the like. Hieroglyphics discovered by archaeologists in the wall, for example, creative story telling, while the amulet unearthed from excavation used for the purpose of magical and mystical. Even the ancient Egyptian jewelry show these symbols, pieces that illustrate what was once considered a “word of God.”
During ancient times, Egypt tries to understand the world and everything in the universe in accordance with the earth, sky, moon, sun and stars. Thus, they give different names to celestial beings, among others, and worship them as God. For example, Ra believed to be the god of the sun, while regarded as God Nut Sky.
Egyptians also used a different symbol to represent God’s different and interesting variety of works of art or hieroglyphs as a means to spread the word, teaching, or even their magic from the gods. The ankh, for instance, which appears in the paintings of the tomb, meaning “eternal life,” and worn by ancient Egyptians for the protection. Some people even said that the ankh is the basis of the Christian cross.
Eye of Horus, on the other hand, is said to ward off evil spirits. Horus is one of the oldest and most important god in Egyptian culture. It is believed that Horus Eye pendant worn by even many Egyptians during ancient times. With resembles a beetle, a symbol of scarab beetle dung is actually based on common during ancient times. Egypt observed beetles rolling balls of dung on the ground (for food and for their eggs) and equated this to a revolving sun in the sky. They then came to use symbols to represent rebirth.
Egyptian Symbols in Modern Times
Although many Egyptian symbol of the past century, we still can see them in this day and age. They are used in different art forms from painting and creative graffiti to tattoos. Visit tattoo shops and you will find that the most common image or images shown to the customer are those Egyptian symbols, such as the ankh or Horus Eye.
Others, such as cosmic jewelry designer David Weitzman, has drawn inspiration from the symbols to create a beautiful and exquisite pieces of jewelry of Egypt. By using Egyptian symbols in rings, pendants, bracelets and amulets, Weitzman continued the tradition and culture of Ancient Egypt and give the wearer the same power and magic that conferred upon the old symbols.
The Eye of Horus pendant, for example, feature eye, strong spin at the border triangle. Those who want the protection and healthy living can use Horus pendant beautiful eyes, not only as a piece of beautiful jewelry, but also as a talisman against disease and crime.
Weitzman ankh necklace, on the other hand, gives the wearer insight into the secret to immortality of the soul. With the lotus flower and the ankh symbol on a different pendant necklace on Egyptian jewelry, the wearer can ponder how the lotus flower submerges and rises in the daytime, and how the ankh is the key to life.
Ancient tradition should not be lost in the modern world. We can draw much inspiration, learning and realization of the culture of the past. With this transformation of traditions and mold them to enter the modern world (such as jewelry Weitzman has done with Egypt), we can show our ideals and our beliefs through the many creative ways.