There is one rather
unglamorous theory about the
origin of the ankh
symbol: it is quite possible that it has evolved from the
hieroglyph for '
sandal'. The loop is the
sole and the three line
extruding from it are the
leather thongs used to tie the sandal to the foot.
Needless to say, this theory tends to irritate goths and anyone who sees it as a symbol for life, balance or the union of man and woman. It does seem to carry some academic merit though.