The Ankh was one of the earliest forms of the Christian cross called the "Crux Ansata" or 'cross with a handle'. It was adopted by early Coptic Christians.
ANSWER 2:
No, the ankh cross was the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic symbol known as the "key of life" or "key of the Nile." Crux ansatais Latin meaning "cross with a handle," which is how the Romans identified it. Although adopted by early Coptic Christians, it is NOT a Christian cross because it doesn't symbolize Jesus' crucifixion on a cross.
The ankh roughly meant 'eternal life'; the closest thing to it today, both in shape and meaning, would be the Celtic cross and to a lesser extent the Christian cross (although this does not share the original meaning).
Ankh
The Egyptian symbol for life is the Ankh. It is shaped like a cross with a looped handle above the cross bar. You can see many colorful examples and more information at the related link.The Ankh, which, many believe, was a precursor to the Christian Cross, is the Ancient Egyptian sign of life.
It is called and an ankh. The Ankh Cross represents life (immortality) and death
This is called an Ankh
If you are referring to the cross with the loop on top, it is called an ankh.
Embrace of the Vampire.
Yes. The Ankh, or crux ansata, was the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic character for "eternal life". Egyptian gods were often shown carrying it by its loop or bearing one in each hand, arms crossed over their chest. This ancient Egyptian sign of life became a stylised cross of Jesus.AnswerThe Coptic church adopted the ankh, but the more common Christian cross symbol was not based on it. It simply symbolised the shape of the cross on which Christ was crucified.
An ankh is known as the Egyptian staff or cross of life. They are generally depicted as a cross with a loop at the top where the vertical short arm of the cross would be. There are some depictions of ankhs with a circle instead of a loop at the top, but these are much less common.
Traditional Ankh Pendant or Cross of Life
ankh
No, it is not.