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The Djed Pillar

Discover the ancient Egyptian symbol of the Djed pillar, representing stability, permanence, and the enduring presence of the gods. Explore its significance in art, architecture, and mythology, and its role in the Heb Sed festival and the journey to the afterlife.

The Djed Pillar - Egypt Tours Portal

Summary

  • The Djed pillar, associated with the gods Ptah and Osiris, represents stability and immutability in ancient Egyptian culture.
  • Originating from the myth of Osiris, the Djed symbolizes stability and the afterlife, depicted as a pillar with horizontal bars.
  • Prominent in Egypt's history, the Djed was celebrated in the Heb Sed festival and featured in temples and the Book of the Dead.
  • The Djed pillar underscores the Egyptians' beliefs in divine influence and the concept of eternal life.

One of the most famous ancient Egyptian symbols was the Djed pillar, which was a symbol of stability, permanence, and immutability. It was found everywhere in Egyptian art and architecture throughout the country's history. The symbol was associated with Ptah, the God of creation, and Osiris, the Ruler of the underworld. Actually, it represents the god Osiris's backbone.

The symbol has appeared throughout Egypt's history very vividly and regularly as it reminded the public that death is a portal to a new beginning, the nature of life itself, and that the gods are always near.

Djed Pillar Meaning

Djed Pillar Meaning - Egypt Tours Portal
Djed Pillar Meaning - Egypt Tours Portal

The symbol appears as a pillar or a vertical shaft with four horizontal bars near the top and a series of lines between each bar. There are four bands around the neck of the shaft under the first of the horizontal bars. The Djed pillar represents the concept, the spoken & written word of stability. The origin of the symbol can be traced to the myth of Osiris, which involved his brother Seth, the god of disorder, chaos, desert, and violence, attempting to kill his brother Osiris by tricking Osiris into climbing into a coffin and then throwing into the Nile River which ended up on the shores of Byblos where a sacred tree grew rapidly around the coffin.

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The king of the land was impressed by the huge tree and ordered it to be cut into a pillar and put in his palace without what was inside of it; his goddess Isis was able to get the pillar to remove Osiris's body and reconstruct the pillar which became known as the Djed Pillar. The creator god Ptah was often seen with the Djed and even called the noble Djed. The Djed pillar represents the human backbone of Osiris, which encourages the soul to rise up from the body and move towards the afterlife and the enduring presence of the gods in one's life.

Purpose of the Djed Pillar

Purpose of the Djed Pillar - Egypt Tours Portal
Purpose of the Djed Pillar - Egypt Tours Portal

The djed-pillar was a very important and essential key symbol in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, and the overall culture represents stability and endurance, which had many different purposes within the society of ancient Egyptians. It is associated with Ptah, the creator god, and Osiris, the god of the afterlife. Egyptians believed it to be the backbone of Osiris, thus ensuring his ability to function after resurrection.

Spell 151e of the Book of the Dead calls it "The Magical Protection of Osiris" which ensures the well-being of the deceased. It was placed as an amulet near the spine of mummified bodies, which symbolized eternal life, and spell 155 was recited over it during burial rituals. The ceremony of "Raising the Djed" was also part of the Sed festival, which symbolizes renewal and the perpetuation of life beyond death.

Djed Pillar History

Djed Pillar History - Egypt Tours Portal
Djed Pillar History - Egypt Tours Portal

During the predynastic era, there was a fertility pole, and Osiris started as a fertility god before becoming the ruler of the underworld. There used to be a festival called Heb Sed, "The Djed Pillar" Festival, which celebrated the first day of the harvest season through the rising of the pillar in the sky by the cult of Osiris, which symbolizes the grains rising from the earth like how Osiris Returned from the dead.

The pillar of Djed was viewed as the pillar that held the skies. In Egypt old kingdom (2613-2181 BC) the Djed was featured on many temples and illustrated in the Book of the Dead in various versions and even came in the shape of an amulet. One of the most notable examples of the Djed is shown in the temple complex of the step pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Finest Destinations to Visit in Egypt?

The entire country of Egypt deserve to be explored with its every heavenly detail but there are places that must be seen before any other such as the breathtaking Hurghada's red sea, The wonders of Cairo the pyramids of Giza, the great sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the wonders of Luxor like Valley of the Kings, Karnak & Hatshepsut temple and the wonders of Aswan such as Abu Simbel temples, Philea temple, Unfinished obelisk and The Wonders of Alexandria like Qaitbat Citadel, Pompey's Pillar and Alexandria Library. Read more about the best places to visit in Egypt.

What Are Egypt's Visa Requirements?

If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries, have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD in cash, as for the E-Visa for 30 day you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could also be one of the lucky ones who can obtain a free visa for 90 days. Read more about Egypt travel visa.

What Is the Top Traditional Egyptian Food?

Egypt has a variety of delicious cuisines but we recommend “Ful & Ta’meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)”, Mulukhiya, “Koshary”, a traditional Egyptian pasta dish, and Kebab & Kofta, the Egyptian traditional meat dish.

What is the Best Time to Visit Egypt?

The best time to travel to Egypt is during the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a little tropical accompanied by a magical atmosphere of warm weather with a winter breeze. You will be notified in the week of your trip if the Climate is unsafe and if any changes have been made.

What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?

You should pack everything you could ever need in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.

Why Book With "Egypt Tours Portal"?

We have been creating the finest vacations for more than 20 years around the most majestic destinations in Egypt. Our staff consists of the best operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort to make you have the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time consultants to fit your every possible need during your vacation. It doesn't go without saying that your safety and comfort are our main priority and all of our resources will be directed to provide the finest atmosphere until you return home.

Is it Safe to Travel to Egypt?

You will feel safe in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is quite peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt. Read more about is it safe to travel to Egypt.

What to Wear While in Egypt?

Wear whatever feels right and comfortable. It is advised to wear something light and comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the terrain of Egypt. Put on sun block during your time in Egypt in the summer to protect yourself from the sun.

What are the Best Activities to Do in Egypt?

The best activity is by far boarding a Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan or Vise Versa. Witness the beauty of Egypt from a hot balloon or a plane and try all the delicious Egyptian cuisines and drinks plus shopping in old Cairo. Explore the allure and wonders of the red sea in the magical city resorts of Egypt like Hurghada and many more by diving and snorkeling in the marine life or Hurghada. Behold the mesmerizing western desert by a safari trip under the heavenly Egyptian skies.

What are Egypt Festival and Public Holidays?

There are a lot of public holidays in Egypt too many to count either religious or nation, the most important festivals are the holy month of Ramadan which ends with Eid Al Fitr, Christmas and new years eve. Read more about festivals & publich holidays in Egypt.

What are Special Advice for Foreign Women in Egypt?

Egypt is considered to be one of the most liberal Islamic countries but it has become a little bit conservative in the last couple of decades so it is advised to avoid showing your chest, shoulders or legs below the knees.

What are the Official Languages of Egypt?

Arabic is the official language and Most Egyptians, who live in the cities, speak or understand English or at least some English words or phrases. Fewer Egyptians can speak French, Italian, Spanish, and German. Professional tour guides, who work in the tourism sector, are equipped to handle visitors who cannot speak Arabic and they will speak enough English and other languages to fulfill the needs of all our clients.

What is the Transportation in Egypt?

The fastest way is a car, of course, a taxi. If you are in Cairo ride a white taxi to move faster or you could board the fastest way of transportation in Egypt metro if the roads are in rush hour.

What is the Weather is Like?

The temperature in Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c. Summer in Egypt is somehow hot but sometimes it becomes cold at night and winter is cool and mild. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 °C in the wintertime to 23 °C in the summertime and the average high temperatures vary from 17 °C in the wintertime to 32 °C in the summertime. The temperature is moderate all along the coasts.

What are the Reasons That Make You Visit Egypt?

It is the home of everything a traveler might be looking for from amazing historical sites dating to more than 4000 years to enchanting city resorts & beaches. You will live the vacation you deserve as Egypt has everything you could possibly imagine.

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