Uraeus Symbol – History And Meaning

The uraeus is an emblem symbol for the ancient Egyptian goddess Wadjet, the serpent goddess and, as such, was often depicted as a cobra. She was the Nile Delta’s patroness and Lower Egypt’s protector.

The uraeus is important as a hieroglyph, but it was also used as an adornment on the pharaoh, as well as in amulets and for jewelry. 

Uraeus Symbol – History And Meaning

If you want to learn more about the Uraeus symbol, read on to find out the meaning, history, and significance of this Egyptian symbol.

Uraeus Symbol History

The uraeus symbol is deeply connected with the serpent goddess, Wadjet, who was often depicted as having a snake’s head or wearing the uraeus.

Originally, the uraeus was Wadjet’s body wrapped around the head of another deity or the pharaoh.

Wadjet, Lower Egypt’s patron goddess and protector, became associated with the goddess Nekhbet who was depicted as a white vulture and held the same position in Upper Egypt. After the unification of Egypt, Nekhbet’s image joined Wadjet on the crown, becoming part of the uraeus.

Pharaohs were recognized only by wearing the uraeus. They wore the uraeus as a headdress, which became part of their crown. It signified Wadjet’s protection and reinforced the pharaoh’s dominion over the land. This tradition was as old as the Old Kingdom (c. 2700-2200 BC).

The uraeus was adorned with gemstones and made of gold and sometimes silver. Before the period of the New Kingdom, the uraeus’ body was coiled in circles behind its raised head attached on the Blue Crown worn by the pharaoh who was believed to be protected by Wadjet. 

Wadjet’s protection, however, was not limited to the pharaoh. She was also believed to protect the whole Egypt from the forces of chaos, as well as women in childbirth. Her image with the sun disk is the uraeus symbol.

The Uraeus Symbol

The uraeus is a symbol for the Egyptian serpent goddess Wadjet, an ancient goddess associated with royalty. A number of other Egyptian goddesses associated with her are also depicted as wearing the uraeus.

The uraeus symbol is the image of the rearing cobra on the pharaoh’s crown, which distinguished him from everyone else. Pharaohs were recognized through this symbol because only they could wear the uraeus.

The uraeus symbol is also seen on the forehead of the pharaohs’ sarcophagi, as well as on crowns and statues of queens. The pharaoh’s uraeus was coiled while the queen’s was uncoiled.

The uraeus is often seen as a cobra, or at least the head of a cobra. It was attached on the crown of the queens and pharaohs, rearing from the forehead, to represent the goddess Wadjet who was believed to be the personal protector of the pharaoh and, in turn, the whole country.

From being a local goddess of a predynastic city of Dep to the goddess of Lower Egypt to the protectress of the whole of Egypt, Wadjet became one of the symbols of Egypt represented by the uraeus. This also made the uraeus the symbol of rulership. 

Uraeus Symbol Meaning

The word “uraeus” derives from the Greek “οὐραῖος” or “ouraîos,” which means “on its tail” and from the Egyptian “iaret,” meaning ” rearing cobra.” Its plural form is “uraei” or “uraeuses.” 

The uraeus is the stylized and upright figure of an Egyptian cobra, a symbol for the Egyptian serpent goddess Wadjet who was the patroness and protectress of Egypt.

It was used as a representation of deity, sovereignty, divine authority, and royalty in ancient Egypt. This is why this symbol is often seen on the royal crowns and the forehead of a pharaoh’s sarcophagus.