Ancient Egyptian Symbol of Love

Ancient Egyptian civilization abounds with many symbols of love that have been recorded on the walls of temples and tombs, which reflect the extent of the ancient Egyptians’ interest in love and its place in their lives. 

These symbols were among the finest means by which the pharaohs expressed their feelings and emotions towards those they loved. 

In this article, we will learn about the Ancient Egyptian Symbol of Love, in addition to reviewing the most famous myths and folk tales that tell the stories of immortal Pharaonic love, which still arouse our interest to this day.

Ancient Egyptian symbol of love

Many specialized Egyptian studies in Egyptology have indicated that love had a great place and special importance for the ancient Egyptians, because they were keen to write and engrave symbols of love on the walls of tombs and temples, in addition to using them in many religious rituals and social celebrations. Among the most prominent of these symbols that were commonly used in expressing love:

• Sycamore Tree: The sycamore tree is considered one of the most important and prominent symbols of love in ancient Egyptian civilization. It was an ideal refuge for lovers, as they met under its abundant shade and large roots to enjoy unforgettable romantic moments away from the eyes of people.
• Harp: The harp is considered one of the most important symbols of love for the pharaohs because they considered it a bridge connecting hearts. The harp was used to play emotional songs and melodies that express feelings of love and longing, because its sound is characterized by tenderness and sweetness that captivates hearts.
• Lotus: The lotus flower is considered Ancient Egyptian Symbol of Love, beauty, and purity for the pharaohs. It is characterized by its beauty and fragrant and distinctive scent that evokes joy and happiness. Lovers prefer to give it to each other as an expression of love, affection, and appreciation.

The legend of Isis and Osiris

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The legend of Isis and Osiris is one of the noblest symbols of love, loyalty, and devotion in ancient Egyptian civilization. The legend tells of Osiris, the just ruler who ruled Egypt with wisdom and justice.

Many people feared him because he was always quick to do good and help those in need.

He also made sure to teach the people agriculture and irrigation arts in order to achieve self-sufficiency and prosperity for them. 

Therefore, he gained great popularity and sweeping love from all members of the people, which made his brother Seth jealous and resentful of him, and he decided to get rid of him in any way in order to seize the throne and enjoy power and influence.

He devised a well-planned conspiracy to kill his brother, and prepared a large golden coffin inlaid with diamonds the size of Osiris. 

He prepared a large food banquet and invited many important people in the country, and told them that he had prepared a golden coffin to give to the person who fit it perfectly. Indeed, everyone tried the coffin, but it only came to the size of Osiris.

When Osiris slept inside the coffin, his brother Seth closed the coffin tightly, and his henchmen helped him to do so, and threw the coffin into the Nile, and Osiris died by drowning, and his brother Seth took over the rule in his place by force. 

However, Isis, the wife of Osiris, did not accept this, and insisted on searching for the golden coffin until she found it in Mount Byblos, and her husband’s body was cut into fourteen pieces.

Isis was able, by a divine miracle, to collect the remains of her husband and went to the sorcerers in order to restore the soul of her husband. Indeed, he came back to life, but not like before. 

Isis conceived from him and hid in the Delta until her pregnancy ended, and she gave birth to her son Horus and raised him in secret until he became a strong and courageous man.

After that, she returned to the Valley to confront her husband’s brother Seth in order to demand that Horus take over the throne, because it had become his legal right. Seth did not agree to this, and many fierce battles took place between Seth and Horus. 

The matter ended with Horus’s victory and his taking over the rule. This legend ended with Seth’s trial and holding him accountable for his heinous actions.

The throne was officially granted to Horus, the legal heir, while Osiris became the ruler of the kingdom of the dead because he refused to return to the Valley due to the spread of evil and injustice in it.

The love story of Ramesses II and Nefertari

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The love story of Ramesses II and Nefertari is one of the most beautiful and wonderful symbols of love in ancient Egyptian civilization.

It is one of the first love stories that history has immortalized for more than three thousand years. 

King Ramesses II loved Nefertari very much and greatly and always described her as the queen of beauty, seduction, and charm.

This chaste flirtation was engraved on the walls of the Temple of Nefertari, which is the temple that Ramesses II built for her and which is located next to his temple in Abu Simbel. 

He also built for her many luxurious tombs in Luxor in order to confirm to her the extent of his sincerity and intense love for her.

It was said that Queen Nefertari died while returning to Luxor, and thus ended the most beautiful love story in ancient Egyptian history. Her temple in Abu Simbel will remain a witness to this eternal love forever.

Symbols associated with love in ancient Egyptian culture

Just as there were symbols of love in ancient Egyptian civilization, there were also symbols of animals that enjoyed a special place with the pharaohs. These symbols are as follows:

• Cat: The cat symbolizes the goddess Bastet, who is the goddess of fertility, the moon, beauty, and protection. Cats were greatly appreciated in ancient Egyptian society.
• Ibis: The ibis symbolizes the god Thoth, who is the god of knowledge, writing, and wisdom. Thoth used to record all important events and facts in special books and records.
• Crocodile: The crocodile symbolizes the god Sobek, who is the god of fertility, strength, procreation, and protection from floods. The ancient Egyptians worshiped crocodiles and considered them sacred.
• Scarab: The scarab symbolizes the god Khepri, who is the god of birth, renewal, and transformation. Scarabs were considered a symbol of eternal life and resurrection after death.

Flowers in Pharaonic society

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The ancient Egyptians were very interested in flowers and considered them one of the most important symbols of love, beauty, and joy in ancient Egyptian civilization.

On Sham El-Nessim, the Egyptian man gave his wife roses and bouquets of flowers to celebrate this special day. 

In the ancient temples, there are many drawings and inscriptions of the lotus flower, which was one of the most famous types of flowers preferred by the ancient Egyptians.

They gave it as gifts on religious occasions and official celebrations. 

They were also interested in growing flowers in their homes and gardens. Egyptian women put the lotus flower on their heads as a beautification for them and to add a touch of beauty to their appearance.

Scenes of love on the walls of temples and tombs

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It was known about the ancient Egyptians that they would depict scenes of love and passion in the form of drawings, symbols, and inscriptions on the walls of tombs and temples in order to express their feelings and emotions towards those they loved. 

The kings competed in expressing their love for their wives and queens by writing emotional poems and drawing many wonderful inscriptions on the walls.

This was one of the most common ways to embody the extent of their love and loyalty to their wives and to immortalize their memory forever.

Myths and Folk Tales That Tell the Stories of Pharaonic Love

There are many stories and myths that tell about the most important and famous Pharaonic love stories, including the Story of Nefertiti and Akhenaten as there was a strong and solid love relationship between Akhenaten and Nefertiti.

Queen Nefertiti was known for her beauty, intelligence, and wisdom, so she was an important support for her husband Akhenaten. 

She supported him in ruling the country and was keen to appear with him in all religious rituals and official celebrations.

They also called on people to worship the sun and gained great love from their people.

It is known about Queen Nefertiti that she had a great place during her husband’s reign. When Akhenaten died, Nefertiti did not live for a long time and died after him a short time later.

FAQs

How did the ancient Egyptians express feelings of love?

The ancient Egyptians expressed feelings of love in their literature and arts by writing emotional poems on papyrus and engraving them on the walls of temples and tombs, in addition to using symbols and drawings to express their feelings and emotions.

What are the most famous love stories in ancient Egyptian history?

Among the most famous love stories in ancient Egyptian history are the story of Isis and Osiris, the story of Ramesses II and Nefertari, and the story of Nefertiti and Akhenaten.

How did the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians affect love and marriage?

The beliefs of the ancient Egyptians greatly affected the concept of love and marriage. Until now, Egyptians still practice marriage agreements known to the ancient Egyptians, such as the list, the contract, and the deferred dowry, and giving a gold ring at the engagement, which was called the ring of resurrection.

Pharaonic civilization is one of the civilizations rich in famous love stories that were recorded on tombs, temples, and papyrus. They expressed their love using the symbols of love in ancient Egyptian civilization.

They were skilled in choosing words and phrases that accurately describe their emotional state. Therefore, we can say that love occupied a great place in the hearts of the pharaohs and was an integral part of their culture and beliefs.