Culture and Religion in Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt is among the many countries that are known for their powerful civilizations in the world. While things have changed since prehistoric times, from natural climate to religion, Egypt has stood the test of time. Up to date, it still stands as a modern-day country.
While there are many exciting vibes about ancient Egypt, there’s what makes the top of the list. Talk of the many monuments, the Ancient Egypt culture, architecture, the Pharaoh’s and religion, etc. Ideally, the picture that emerges from Ancient Egypt is a culture that entails the beauty of its art. Similarly, Egypt also brags of the richness of its religion and the accomplishment of its architecture. Below is more insight into culture and religion in Ancient Egypt.
The Culture of Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt has a rich culture. Its soil presents many areas that express its culture in many ways. Some of these cultural expressions include temples and burial complexes. Altogether, the cultural structures were adorned with statues and reliefs of incredible color.
Similarly, the Egyptian culture is used to honor the gods of the land. It also celebrates the triumph of rulers who reigned in the past. At some point, people misjudged the land as being obsessed with death. It is because it still holds many mummies and tombs that ancient Egyptians left. While that seems right, it is not so. The truth is, the Egyptians had an obsession with life. Holding tombs and mummies was their fascinating way of celebrating life and its eternal continuity. They believed that death was a life’s journey-a journey that would see everyone pass on that same road.
This passion for life made the Egyptians love their land more. In other words, it made them enjoy their existence. Like the wealthy citizens, the less affluent appreciated life and its meaning. The Five Gifts of Hathor was a ritual that exemplified the importance of gratitude. In the ceremony, poor laborers would learn to appreciate five things that they valued in their lives.
In their life, Egyptians’ culture seems to differ from other ancient cultures. For instance, they believed that land was part of their salvation big-time. As such, they feared their death beyond the borders of Egypt. Those who traveled ie, for war, would make provision for their bodies to be returned to their land upon death. However, the Egyptians were so devoted to their homeland that they rarely traveled.
Religion in Ancient Egypt
Religion was another aspect that made up and integral part of the lives of Egyptians. They saw themselves as co-workers with the gods. The people strongly believed that they had to work side by side with their gods to prevent the outbreak of crises such as chaos. The Egyptians believed that the gods had already played their part in completing the purpose of human beings. Therefore, their duty was to appreciate and celebrate because they already have meaning and giving thanks for it. This belief structure was known as Egyptian Mythology in ancient times. It enabled many Egyptians to accept religion.
The Egyptian religion also provided teaching for the people. For instance, it showed them that in the beginning, there were chaotic swirling waters that sourced from the ben-ben hills. On the hills stood the great god Atum, who drew the power of Heka to speak creation into being. Heka was known to be the energy that enabled the gods to perform their duties.
As part of the religion, Egyptians took up a nickname instead of using their individual names. It is because one’s real name was considered very important, whereby it had to be kept secret throughout life. Knowing someone’s real name gave one magical power to control the individual. It mainly happened among the rulers of Egypt. They took up other names when they ascend the throne. It gave them a form of protection to ensure their safety and to ease their journey to eternity when their life on earth was complete.