The Ancient Egyptian Scarab Khebr
Khebr: the Egyptian Scarab
Egypt is full of mysteries, from ancient times to the modern days. Every grain of sand in its vast deserts has seen wonders and magic like no other place in the world.
Ancient Egyptians looked around them for guidance and knowledge. They revered what nature gave them, from the Nile to the creatures dwelling in their skies and deserts.
Look to Nature for Guidance, the Egyptian Style
One of the most famous creatures in these sands is the scarab beetle. Ancient Egyptians observed the scarab’s behavior and habits and associated it with the life cycle, creation, and rebirth. The beetle would lay its eggs in a dung ball, and roll it. The Egyptians saw that resembles one of the most important ancient Egyptian gods, “Ra”.
Ancient Egyptians believed that the Egyptian god Ra rolled the sun across the sky, in a cycle of daily life, death, and rebirth. The day starts, and ends, with the sun rising and setting, after all. Therefore, the scarab, “Khebr”, was born as a significant symbol in ancient Egyptian mythology.
Khebr, the ancient Egyptian Scarab of good fortunes
Khebr is a word from ancient Egypt that still lives with us to this day. For Khebr was immortalized through history by granting it the importance of a holy symbol, in the ancient Egyptian beliefs. Kings and priests of Egypt used the Khebr to adorn their ancient Egyptian clothes, walls, and jewelry. Some of those renowned scarab symbols live on to this day. Let us tell you about some of the most famous Khebr artifacts, and where to find them in Egypt, should decide to visit this magical land.
Karnak Temple: Egyptian place of Worship on the Nile River
You can’t miss going to the temple of Karnak on your tours in Egypt. This ancient Egyptian temple is dedicated to the ancient Egyptian god Amun, the chief of the Egyptian gods. Karnak Temple was built millennia ago, and is considered the largest religious complex in the world! The Karnak Temple is located on the east bank of the Nile River, just north of the ancient city of Luxor.
Deep inside this magnificent, historical temple, you will find a colossal scarab statue, carved from black granite. This over six feet long statue depicts Khebr, symbolizing the Egyptian sun god Ra! The statue was used by the old Egyptians in ceremonies and rituals.
To this day, this beautiful artifact holds great significance. It is believed that if you circle it seven times you will be blessed with wedded bliss and a life of serenity. Tourists flock to it from around the world to join in this ritual, seeking good luck and fortune.
A depiction, not a real photo of the Khebr statue in Karnak Temple
King Tutankhamun and the Story of the Heart Scarab
Another famous and magnificent artifact is the Heart Scarab which belonged to King Tutankhamun, the infamous famous Egyptian pharaoh. The tomb of the young king Tutankhamun held exquisite treasures. The discovery of his tomb was, and still is, one of the greatest discoveries in Egypt and around the world. One of those treasures was an intricately carved piece resembling Khebr and was placed directly over the heart of the mummy millennia ago. It is believed by archeologists specialized in Egyptology that this scarab "Khebr” was placed there to ensure Tutankhamun’s purity of heart, and integrity, as he moves to the afterlife, as it is believed by ancient Egyptians.
No matter where you go in Egypt, you will find mystery and treasure. This is why we have created “Ankh”, so everyone can keep a piece of Egyptian history, wear it with pride, and be Egyptian Royalty.
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