What does an obelisk symbolize?
The most common interpretation is that the symbolism relates to the sun god Ra, who is said to have appeared as a ray of sunlight coming from the sky. An obelisk is thought to be the representation of that ray of sunlight shining down from a point in the sky.
What is the meaning of obelisk?
Definition of obelisk. 1 : an upright 4-sided usually monolithic pillar that gradually tapers as it rises and terminates in a pyramid.
What does an obelisk look like?
An obelisk is a tall, four-sided, narrow tapering monument which ends in a pyramid-like shape at the top. Like Egyptian pyramids, whose shape is thought to be representative of the descending rays of the sun, an obelisk is said to resemble a petrified ray of the sun-disk. A pair of obelisks usually stood in front of a pylon.
What is ancient obelisks represent?
The obelisks of ancient Egypt represented benben or the original mound upon which the god stood and created the world. For this reason, the obelisk was associated with the benu bird, the Egyptian predecessor of the Greek phoenix. According to the Egyptian myths, benu bird’s cry would awake creation and set life in motion.
What is an obelisk meaning?
An obelisk (/ˈɒbəlɪsk/; from Ancient Greek: ὀβελίσκος obeliskos; diminutive of ὀβελός obelos, „spit, nail, pointed pillar“) is a tall, four-sided, narrow tapering monument which ends in a pyramid-like shape or pyramidion at the top. These were originally called tekhenu by their builders, the Ancient Egyptians.
What does the obelisk represent?
The Egyptian obelisk, known as the Tajen in ancient Egypt, symbolized a petrified ray that penetrates the clouds and disperses negative forces that accumulate in the form of storms. The word „obelisk“ in the Greek language refers to a prong for roasting and indicates protection, defense and stability.
What does this obelisk mean?
„Obelisk, a long pointed four-sided shaft, the uppermost portion of which forms a pyramid. The word „obelisk“ literally means „Baal’s shaft“ or Baal’s organ of reproduction .“