scarab etymology

Etymology

  • Origin: Ancient Egyptian "Kepher"
  • Meaning: "Sacred Rolling Beetle"

Meaning and Origin

The term "scarab" refers to a specific type of beetle, Scarabaeus sacer, which is native to Egypt and other parts of the Middle East. These beetles have a distinctive appearance, with a black shiny body and a large globular head.

In ancient Egypt, the scarab beetle was considered a sacred symbol. The Egyptians believed that the beetle's behavior, which involved rolling a ball of dung, represented the sun's journey across the sky. The dung ball itself was seen as a representation of the sun.

The scarab beetle became a potent symbol of rebirth, transformation, and the cycle of life and death. Egyptians often created scarab amulets and other decorative objects adorned with scarab designs. These objects were used for protection, good luck, and to symbolize the wearer's hope for a successful transition to the afterlife.

The scarab symbol was also associated with the god Khepri, who was depicted as a man with a scarab head. Khepri represented the morning sun and the cycle of creation and rebirth.

The scarab's significance extended beyond ancient Egypt. It was also adopted by other cultures in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. In some contexts, it became associated with other meanings, such as wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.

Today, the scarab remains a popular symbol used in jewelry, art, and other decorative items. It continues to evoke the ancient Egyptian beliefs in rebirth, transformation, and the cyclical nature of life.

scarab relate terms

  • caravel

    Etymology The word caravel comes from the Spanish carabela Its ultimate origin is d

  • scarab

    Etymology Origin Ancient Egyptian Kepher Meaning Sacred Rolling Beetle Meaning a

  • fairy

    Etymology The word fairy is derived from the Old French word faerie which in turn e

  • stamina

    Etymology and Meaning The word stamina comes from the Latin word stamina meaning war

  • anathema

    Etymology Anathema is derived from the Greek word anáthema which means something de

  • grim

    Etymology The word grim has its origins in the Old English word grima meaning fierc

  • tuxedo

    Etymology The word tuxedo is derived from the name of the Tuxedo Park Country Club in T

  • vintage

    Etymology The word vintage comes from the Latin word vindemia which means grape ha

  • zilch

    Etymology and Origin The word zilch originated in the German language where it was fir

  • joke

    Etymology The word joke originates from the Middle English term jopen meaning to j

  • attention

    Etymology The word attention comes from the Latin word attendere which means to dir

  • apparition

    Etymology The word apparition derives from the Latin appārēre meaning to appear