Usually worn, in modern times, as an amulet, it is disputed exactly what the Egyptian Ankh represents.

Some believe that it sybolizes life.

Others believe that it symbolizes recincarnation, as the key to the gates of life and death. Some believe that it symbolizes eternal life and, similarly, divine matrimony.

More earthly theories run that suppose it represents the sun over the river Nile.

It is used by Coptic (Egyptian) Christians as their traditional cross.