Ancient Egyptian Obelisks: A Religious Symbol in the Catholic Church (2024)

Exploring the tranquil and sacred cemeteries in the Northeast of the United States can be a profoundly impressive and spiritual experience. There, you can witness a range of sculptures and statues, including the renowned Egyptian obelisks. These mute monuments are a reminder of the individuals interred in the cemetery and a tribute to their successes. Taking a moment to appreciate the obelisks can enhance the entire expedition.

For millennia, the ancient Egyptians have profoundly respected obelisks, believing they are endowed with supernatural powers. The obelisk has been an integral symbol of faith, protection, and royal power in Egyptian religion for centuries. The oldest known obelisk, Tekhenu, was constructed during the Old Kingdom period around 2300 BCE. Obelisks are typically formed of a tall four-sided square base that tapers into an isosceles pyramidion at the top. This small pyramid was thought to signify the Sun God Ra and symbolize rebirth and protection from the forces of evil. Additionally, the sides of the obelisk were inscribed with hieroglyphs, serving as a reminder to those who worship the strength of the Gods and the significance of offering tribute to them. Ancient Egyptians further believed that the obelisk could guide the souls of the dead to the afterlife.

Its shape, symbolism, and use made it a powerful symbol of the strength of Egyptians’ faith and the power of the Sun God Ra. Ra was an ancient deity worshiped as the primary God of the sun, order, and creation. He was frequently depicted with the head of a falcon and the Sun disk between his horns. He was also depicted as a Sun God, with a Sun disk above his head, sailing across the sky in a boat. Ra was seen as the source of all life and was associated with the rebirth and renewal cycles. He was also a symbol of kingship and was believed to have created the world through his creative power.

Ra was also associated with powerful magic and was thought to be able to control the weather and even bring the dead back to life. He was the most important God in the ancient Egyptian pantheon and was worshiped throughout Egypt from the earliest times until the end of the Pharaonic period. He was also seen as a protector of the pharaohs and was responsible for helping them to rule wisely.

Throughout time, obelisks have been used by various cultures and civilizations as a symbol of faith. The Roman Empire was interested in adopting and utilizing the ancient Egyptian obelisks in the classical era. They were captivated by Egyptian culture and viewed the obelisks as a powerful symbol of their power. Emperor Augustus himself took two obelisks from Egypt. He relocated them to Rome, where they were placed in front of the Pantheon to symbolize the Roman Empire's importance and honor the gods of Egypt. To this day, there are more than thirteen obelisks in Rome, most of which were moved to the city by various Popes throughout the centuries. These obelisks signify the strength and power of the Roman Empire, as well as their connection to the gods.

In 1586, Pope Sixtus V commissioned the transportation of an ancient Egyptian obelisk to be erected in the center of St. Peter's Square. This obelisk, measuring 25.5 meters in height and supported by bronze lions, was initially brought to Rome by Emperor Caligula in 37 AD. To symbolize the victory of Christianity over paganism, the Vatican added a cross to the very top of the obelisk, which reaches almost 40 meters in height. This cross is inscribed with a message that reads, "Here is the cross of the Lord, flee adverse parties, the lion of the tribe of Judah triumphs." The obelisk is an iconic reminder of the ancient Egyptian culture and its profound influence on the Catholic Church.

Obelisks are essential to Catholic culture, often found in Catholic cemeteries. They are used to commemorate and honor the deceased, featuring an inscription with a name, date of birth, and date of death. In addition, religious symbols such as angels, crosses, and religious figures may be placed around the obelisk to commemorate the deceased further. Obelisks are also used to mark the entrance to a cemetery or group graves together in a family plot. As a powerful symbol of faith, obelisks remind us of the importance of honoring the dead and are an integral part of the Catholic cemetery tradition.

In other cemeteries, such as Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the obelisk's presence has been maintained for many years.

Mount Auburn Cemetery is a historic and essential landmark in the region. It was founded in 1831 as the first large-scale garden cemetery in the United States and is the resting place of many prominent figures in American history. The cemetery is also known for its impressive and unique obelisks and Egyptian-style monuments made of granite which often features inscriptions or names of those buried there. Mount Auburn Cemetery is a public garden cemetery. It covers about 180 acres, featuring a variety of monuments and sculptures, such as a Gothic-style chapel and a replica of the Greek Parthenon. The cemetery is a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can explore the history, art, and nature from the front gate to the paths winding through the site.

The obelisk is an enduring symbol that speaks to the power and security that faith can offer. It serves as a reminder of faith's potency and ability to provide strength and guidance in times of difficulty. Representing hope and resilience, the obelisk has been an iconic symbol of faith for centuries and will continue to be so for many more. It reminds us of the power and protection that faith can bring and the significance of having faith in our lives.