Anubis – Name Meaning
Anubis is an ancient Egyptian god of the dead, associated with mummification and the afterlife. He is often depicted as a jackal-headed man wearing a kilt and holding a staff or flail. The name Anubis is derived from the Egyptian word “inpu” which means “to embalm” or “to wrap up”. Anubis was believed to be the protector of the dead and guardian of tombs.
Origins
The origins of Anubis are unclear, but he appears in many ancient Egyptian texts and artwork. He is thought to have been worshipped since at least the Predynastic Period (c. 6000–3150 BCE). In some accounts, he is said to be the son of Osiris, the god of the underworld, and Nephthys, goddess of mourning. Other accounts suggest that he was created by Ra, the sun god.
Symbology
Anubis was associated with several symbols, including a jackal-headed man wearing a kilt and holding a staff or flail. This symbolized his role as both protector and judge of the dead. He was also associated with mummification and embalming rituals, as well as funerary rites. His black color was symbolic of death and decay.
Worship
Anubis was widely worshipped throughout Egypt during its heyday. He had temples dedicated to him in major cities such as Memphis and Thebes. He was also venerated in private homes where people would make offerings to him in hopes of gaining his favor in the afterlife. During festivals honoring Anubis, priests would dress up as him and perform rituals related to death and burial.
Modern Day
Today, Anubis is still revered by some people who practice modern forms of Egyptian religion such as Kemetism or Kemetic Orthodoxy. He is also popular among fans of fantasy literature and video games, where he often appears as a powerful figure or deity.
The name Anubis has become increasingly popular over recent years due to its association with this ancient god. It can be used for both boys and girls, although it is more commonly given to boys.
