In this way the scarab, no larger than a hand, won a place in the hearts of the Egyptians. It whispered of strength hidden in the humble, of life born out of earth, and of hope that follows darkness. Long before it was carved on temple walls or worn as an amulet, it was simply a creature of the sand — a reminder that creation and rebirth were always close at hand.
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| The Scarab Symbol of Life and Creation in Ancient Egypt |
The Scarab in Ancient Egypt: Meaning and Sacred Role
The scarab was one of the most important sacred symbols of all. The scarab is an insect from the beetle family. The ancient Egyptians called this insect (ḫpr) Kheper, which means scarab, and Kheper, which means arise or become. It carried a very sacred symbolism, because the scarab was always present in all inscriptions, amulets and temples, and people carried it as a symbol of protection from evil.
Therefore, the scarab was considered a symbol of the beginning, the beginning of creation in ancient Egypt. Just as the word ankh in ancient Egypt expressed the scarab insect, it also expressed life, as the word ankh also means life in the ancient Egyptian language.
Over time, the presence of the scarab in texts and paintings became not just a repetition, but an affirmation of people's deep belief in its symbolic power.
| Aspect | Scarab Symbolism | Why It Mattered |
|---|---|---|
| Creation | Associated with the word “ḫpr” (to become, to arise) | Symbol of beginnings and the act of coming into being |
| Rebirth | Beetle hatching from dung-ball seen as life from nothing | Embodied resurrection and eternal renewal |
| Sunrise | Linked to Khepri, the rising sun god | Daily rebirth of the sun = cosmic order restored |
| Protection | Amulets worn by kings and commoners alike | Believed to shield against evil and ensure safe passage |
| Afterlife | Heart scarab placed on mummies’ chests | Testified for the deceased in judgment before the gods |
Why the Scarab Was Revered in Ancient Egypt
It was no stranger to the ancient Egyptians. They used the scarab in ancient Egyptian writing to symbolize life as well, so the scarab was considered a symbol of life, a symbol of creation. The Egyptians saw in it the power that creates out of nothing, as if life emerges out of nothing, just as a scarab emerges its young from inside a ball of dust.
The ancient Egyptians associated the scarab with life and creation, considering that this winged insect when the mating season comes, this insect lays eggs and takes care of the eggs and makes a ball of clay and dung, this huge ball of clay and dung with the eggs inside, and wherever the insect goes, it pushes this ball in front of it until when the incubation period is completed, these eggs hatch and the small insects inside come out and this clay ball.
It became a symbol of rebirth, a symbol of birth, that life comes out of this clay ball. This may explain why priests and artists in different eras have focused on depicting the scarab with the sun disk, in a symbolic scene full of energy and hope.
When the ancient Egyptians visualized the sun disk, they imagined that the sun disk was a huge ball, and this ball was pushed by an invisible scarab that resembled a real scarab, when it pushed the ball of clay, and that's why it was considered the moment of sunrise.
In the end, the scarab was not just an insect to the ancient Egyptians, but a whole story that tells and expresses the beginning of life, the light that appears after darkness, creation and rebirth.
Scarab and Sun God Khepri: Symbol of Sunrise and Renewal
When the ancient Egyptians visualized the sun disk, they imagined that the sun disk was a huge ball, and this ball was pushed by an invisible scarab that resembled a real scarab, when it pushed the ball of clay, and that's why it was considered the moment of sunrise.
The sun is like a huge ball of flame pushed by an invisible scarab beyond the horizon, hence the scarab became the symbol of sunrise. It is a symbol of the god Khepri, the god of the early morning sunrise, and thus the scarab became the beginning and symbol of everything new, the transition from one stage of life to another.
On important occasions or transitional periods in an individual's life, wearing a scarab amulet was considered a good omen and the beginning of a new page full of blessings.
Then the scarab became an amulet worn by the king, or by any human being to signify rebirth and birth. It became a symbol of the sun disk when it rises early in the morning, and also became a symbol of the human heart when a scarab-shaped amulet was made and placed on the chest of a deceased person.
When a person is questioned in the next world, this heart, represented by the scarab amulet, becomes a witness that the person did not commit a sin in his life, and this scarab turns into a witness in favor of the deceased with goodness.
All mummies in ancient Egypt had to contain at least one scarab that was placed on the chest of the deceased to testify on the day of resurrection before the Great God that he did not commit a sin in his life until his death. They believed that the scarab was able to speak on behalf of a person and tell the truth, no matter how hidden from the rest of the people.
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| scarab amulet |
Infographic — The Sacred Scarab in Ancient Egypt
🌅 Sunrise & Khepri
Scarab pushing the sun across the sky, symbol of daily rebirth.
🪲 Creation & Life
From the word “ḫpr” (to become), linked to new beginnings.
🔮 Protection
Amulets carried by kings and commoners for safety and blessing.
⚰️ Afterlife
Heart scarabs placed on mummies to testify at divine judgment.
© historyandmyths.com — Educational use
Scarab Amulets in Ancient Egypt: Protection and Rebirth
Then the scarab became an amulet worn by the king, or by any human being to signify rebirth and birth. It became a symbol of the sun disk when it rises early in the morning, and also became a symbol of the human heart when a scarab-shaped amulet was made and placed on the chest of a deceased person.
When a person is questioned in the next world, this heart, represented by the scarab amulet, becomes a witness that the person did not commit a sin in his life, and this scarab turns into a witness in favor of the deceased with goodness.
Scarab on Mummies: Heart, Judgment, and Eternal Life
All mummies in ancient Egypt had to contain at least one scarab that was placed on the chest of the deceased to testify on the day of resurrection before the Great God that he did not commit a sin in his life until his death. They believed that the scarab was able to speak on behalf of a person and tell the truth, no matter how hidden from the rest of the people.
Scarab Symbolism in Ancient Egyptian Beliefs
In the end, the scarab was not just an insect to the ancient Egyptians, but a whole story that tells and expresses the beginning of life, the light that appears after darkness, creation and rebirth.
When we look at the importance of this symbol to the ancients, we understand that the Egyptian civilization was not only great in construction or warfare, but also in thought and faith.
The scarab has always represented the power that drives man to start over, even after death. This makes us stand in front of this sacred symbol with respect, looking at it not only as a part of history, but also as a symbol of wisdom that continues with us from thousands of years ago until now.
For more about sacred symbols in ancient Egypt
- The Vulture, Symbol of Goddess Nekhbet in Ancient Egypt’s Religion
- Why the Falcon Symbolized Kingship in Ancient Egypt: God Horus
- The Lion Symbol in Ancient Egypt: Secrets You Didn't Know
- Animals Considered Evil and Opposed to the Gods in Ancient Egypt
- Symbolism of Rams in Ancient Egyptian Religion: Khnum, Amun-Ra
- Sacred Cow Symbolism in Ancient Egypt: Myths, Gods, and Cosmology
- Symbols of Anubis and the Jackal in Ancient Egypt's Beliefs
Key Takeaways
- The scarab (ḫpr) signified “to become/come into being,” tying it to creation and new beginnings.
- Linked to Khepri, the rising sun god—its daily “rebirth” mirrored the sun’s renewal at dawn.
- Scarab amulets promised protection in life and safe passage after death.
- Heart scarabs on mummies testified for the deceased during judgment, securing eternal life.
- From humble behavior (rolling a ball) the Egyptians read a cosmic lesson: life emerges from earth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the word “ḫpr” (Kheper) mean?
It means “to become/come into being,” which underpins the scarab’s role in creation and renewal.
Why was the scarab linked to the sun god Khepri?
Its rolling of a ball across the ground symbolized the sun’s daily journey and rebirth at dawn.
What did scarab amulets protect against?
They were believed to guard the wearer from evil and help ensure safe transition into the afterlife.
What is a “heart scarab” and why was it placed on mummies?
A large inscribed scarab placed over the heart to speak for the deceased during judgment.
Were scarabs only for royalty?
No. Kings and commoners alike wore scarab amulets across many periods.
Did the Egyptians see life “emerging from nothing” in the scarab?
Yes. The hatching from a dung/clay ball suggested rebirth and life arising from earth.
Where do scarabs appear in Egyptian art?
On temple walls, jewelry, seals, rings, and funerary assemblages from the Old Kingdom onward.
Are there different types of scarab amulets?
Yes—personal seal-scarabs, commemorative scarabs, and heart scarabs with funerary spells.
Which texts mention or relate to heart scarabs?
Funerary spells (often called “Book of the Dead” traditions) include formulas for the heart scarab.
Why did the scarab become a symbol of personal renewal?
Its cycle (rolling, guarding, hatching) modeled fresh starts and the promise of a new day.
How long did scarab symbolism remain important?
From early dynastic times through later periods, with evolving local styles and uses.
References
- Hornung, Erik. Conceptions of God in Ancient Egypt: The One and the Many. Cornell University Press, 1982.
- Wilkinson, Richard H. The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt. Thames & Hudson, 2003.
- Andrews, Carol. Amulets of Ancient Egypt. British Museum Press, 1994.
- Assmann, Jan. Death and Salvation in Ancient Egypt. Cornell University Press, 2005.
- Taylor, John H. Egyptian Mummies. British Museum Press, 2010.
- Teeter, Emily. Religion and Ritual in Ancient Egypt. Cambridge University Press, 2011.
- Pinch, Geraldine. Egyptian Mythology. Oxford University Press, 2004.
- Allen, James P. Middle Egyptian. Cambridge University Press, 2014.
- Ikram, Salima. Divine Creatures: Animal Mummies in Ancient Egypt. American University in Cairo Press, 2005.
- Quirke, Stephen. Exploring Religion in Ancient Egypt. Wiley-Blackwell, 2014.
Written by H. Moses — All rights reserved © Mythology and History
