Ankh Tattoo

I am a big fan of body art, in particular tattoos. I spend a great deal of time researching tattoo designs before committing my skin to permanent ink. Something I have always been fascinated with is Egyptian symbols and hieroglyphics. I recently had a graphic designer create an Ankh tattoo design for myself.

The ankh or ankh cross is probably the the best known of all Egyptian symbols. I love its simplistic design and how it combines a loop and cross piece. No one knows for certain the origin of the ankh symbol and its meaning has several interpretations. The general belief is that the ankh is a symbol of all life, both divine and human. I think this makes it a great tattoo choice.

Two elements that Egyptians believed were essential for life were the air and the sun. One theory is that the design of the ankh represents a sun rise. The loop representing the Sun rising above the horizon. The crossbar being the horizon and the vertical section below the crossbar being the path of the sun.

Another theory is that the top loop represents the vagina, and the cross piece and vertical section symbolizing the penis and testicles. Together, as sexual organs, they present and symbolize the moment of when man and woman come together for the creation of life which is perhaps the greatest and most mysterious miracle known to man.

I like my tattoos to be simplistic, meaningful and well designed. I don't like flashy tattoos that have little or no meaning. If you are interested in getting a elegant and meaningful tattoo I recommend you do a little research on Egyptian mythology. If the ankh doesn't take your fancy you could take a look at the Eye of Horus. I am having a design made for that as well.