The scarab is one of the most recognizable symbols of ancient Egypt. It appears on amulets, seals, jewelry, mummy wrappings and ceremonial objects created over thousands of years.
But what does the scarab actually symbolize?
In ancient Egyptian culture, the scarab was closely associated with the rising sun, creation, regeneration and rebirth. It was also connected with Khepri, the god of the morning sun, who represented the sun’s daily return after the darkness of night.
Today, scarab jewelry is commonly worn as a symbol of personal transformation, resilience, renewal and protection.
Explore the complete VarVar Scarab Jewelry collection.
Scarab Meaning at a Glance
Symbol: Scarab beetle
Origin: Ancient Egypt
Associated deity: Khepri
Primary historical meanings: Creation, rebirth, regeneration, and the rising sun
Funerary meaning: Renewal in the afterlife and protection of the deceased
Common modern meanings: Transformation, resilience, new beginnings, and personal growth
Common forms: Scarab amulets, heart scarabs, winged scarabs, seals, rings and pendants
The scarab did not have only one fixed meaning. Its interpretation depended on where the image appeared, what other symbols surrounded it and how the object was used.
A scarab on a seal could identify a person or ruler. A heart scarab had a specific funerary function. A winged scarab placed on a mummy represented regeneration and protection. A modern scarab pendant may be chosen as a personal reminder of resilience or a new beginning.
Why Was the Scarab Sacred in Ancient Egypt?
The sacred Egyptian scarab was inspired by the dung beetle.
Ancient Egyptians observed beetles forming and rolling round balls across the ground. The movement reminded them of the sun travelling across the sky from east to west.
They also saw young beetles emerging from these balls. Without knowledge of the complete biological process, this appeared to be an act of spontaneous creation: life emerging from something hidden beneath the earth.
The beetle therefore, became connected with:
- the rising sun;
- self-creation;
- new life;
- regeneration;
- the renewal of the world each morning;
- the continuation of existence after death.
The circular ball pushed by the beetle could be understood as a reflection of the solar disk. Just as the sun disappeared every evening and returned the following morning, life could pass through darkness and emerge again.
This connection transformed an ordinary beetle into one of the most powerful symbolic images in Egyptian art.
Who Was Khepri?
Khepri was an ancient Egyptian deity connected with the morning sun.
He could be shown as:
- a scarab beetle;
- a man with a scarab for a head;
- a scarab pushing or carrying the solar disk;
- a winged scarab in funerary imagery.
Khepri represented the sun at the moment of its daily rebirth. He was closely related to the wider solar cycle and could be connected with Ra, the major Egyptian sun god.
The British Museum describes Khepri as the god of the rising sun, transformation and rebirth. The scarab’s movement was compared with the journey of the sun across the sky.
However, not every Egyptian scarab image should automatically be interpreted as a direct portrait of Khepri. Depending on its context, the beetle could represent the deity, function as a written sign or serve more generally as an amulet of creation and renewal.
What Does the Scarab Symbolize?
1. Rebirth and renewal
Rebirth is the central meaning of the Egyptian scarab.
Every morning, the sun appeared to be created again. Its daily return represented the restoration of order after the uncertainty and darkness of night.
The scarab therefore became an appropriate symbol for:
- beginning again;
- recovering after difficulty;
- entering a new stage of life;
- leaving an old identity behind;
- restoring energy and direction.
This historical association explains why scarab jewelry remains meaningful to people navigating personal or professional change.
2. Creation
The scarab was connected with the concept of self-creation.
Because young beetles seemed to emerge from the earth without visible parents, ancient Egyptians associated the insect with life generating itself.
Khepri’s own name is connected with ideas of becoming, developing or coming into existence. The scarab was therefore not only a symbol of returning life but also of the creative force that brings something new into being.
3. The rising sun
The beetle rolling its ball was compared with the movement of the sun.
This made the scarab a solar symbol associated with:
- light returning after darkness;
- the rhythm of day and night;
- movement and continuity;
- the renewal of cosmic order;
- the life-giving energy of the sun.
A scarab shown with a solar disk makes this connection especially clear.
4. Protection
Scarab amulets were used in both daily and funerary contexts.
They could be worn, carried or placed with the deceased. Their protective meaning was closely connected with regeneration: the wearer or deceased person was symbolically linked with the sun’s ability to return and renew itself.
A scarab was not necessarily a promise that no difficulty would occur. It represented the power to continue, regenerate and move through transformation.
For a broader comparison of historic protective emblems, explore the Egyptian Sacred Symbols collection.
5. Transformation
Transformation is partly a modern interpretation, but it develops naturally from the scarab’s historical association with creation and rebirth.
Today, people often choose the scarab during:
- a career change;
- relocation;
- recovery from a difficult period;
- the launch of a new project;
- the end of one relationship or life stage;
- a period of personal reinvention.
The symbol does not erase the previous chapter. It represents the ability to use it as material for what comes next.
6. Resilience and forward movement
The image of a small beetle pushing a weight across difficult ground has also become a modern metaphor for persistence.
This meaning is more interpretive than archaeological, but it makes the scarab relevant to contemporary wearers. It can represent continuing to move even when progress is slow, repetitive or difficult to see.
Different Types of Egyptian Scarabs
Ancient Egyptian scarabs appeared in several forms, each with a different function.
Seal scarabs
Many scarabs had a flat underside carved with names, titles, decorative patterns, royal references or hieroglyphic inscriptions.
These objects could function as seals, administrative tools, personal amulets or markers of status.
Amulet scarabs
Small scarabs were worn as protective amulets or incorporated into necklaces, bracelets and rings.
Their meaning could combine creation, solar renewal, protection and continued life.
Heart scarabs
Heart scarabs had a specific funerary purpose.
They were usually placed on or near the chest of the deceased. Some carried inscriptions intended to prevent the heart from speaking against its owner during the judgment of the dead.
In Egyptian funerary belief, the heart was weighed against the feather of Ma’at, representing truth and cosmic order. The Brooklyn Museum’s heart scarab collection explains that inscriptions on these objects were intended to help the deceased during this judgment.
Heart scarabs were therefore connected with:
- moral judgment;
- protection in the afterlife;
- the preservation of identity;
- successful passage into continued existence.
This funerary context also connects the scarab with Anubis, the deity associated with mummification, protection of the dead and the weighing of the heart. Read more in Anubis: Egyptian God of Death or Guide of Souls?.
Winged scarabs
Winged scarabs were often used in funerary decoration and could be attached to mummy wrappings or beaded nets.
The wings strengthen the scarab’s connection with the sun, movement and regeneration. A scarab with outstretched wings creates a more dynamic image than the compact beetle form.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art describes a winged scarab from mummy wrappings as an image of Khepri that symbolically protected the deceased and linked them with rebirth through the solar cycle.
Commemorative scarabs
Some scarabs recorded royal events, achievements or political messages.
Large commemorative scarabs issued during the reign of Amenhotep III, for example, referred to events such as royal marriages, hunting and construction.
These objects show that scarabs were not limited to religious protection. They could also communicate identity, authority and historical memory.
Scarab, Ankh and Eye of Horus: What Is the Difference?
Ancient Egyptian symbols are often combined in jewelry, but they do not mean exactly the same thing.
Scarab
The scarab primarily represents:
- creation;
- regeneration;
- the rising sun;
- rebirth;
- renewal.
Ankh
The Ankh is the hieroglyphic symbol for life. In religious and funerary imagery, it can also represent divine life and the continuation of existence.
Read the complete guide to the meaning of the Ankh.
Eye of Horus or Udjat
The Eye of Horus is associated with:
- protection;
- restoration;
- healing in the symbolic sense;
- wholeness;
- the recovery of something damaged or lost.
A design combining the scarab and Eye of Horus can therefore unite regeneration with protection and restoration.
Anubis
Anubis is not an abstract symbol but a deity. He is associated with:
- mummification;
- funerary protection;
- transition into the afterlife;
- the weighing of the heart;
- the preservation of the deceased.
These distinctions are important when choosing Egyptian jewelry. The strongest design is not necessarily the one containing the most symbols. It is the one whose symbolic language matches the meaning you want to carry.
VarVar Scarab Jewelry: Six Designs and Their Symbols
VarVar scarab jewelry presents the beetle in several different symbolic combinations. Some designs focus entirely on the scarab, while others combine it with the Ankh, Udjat or the wings of Horus.
1. Minimalist Scarab Pendant: renewal within the eternal cycle
The Pendant “Scarab” places a compact scarab inside a circular frame.
The scarab represents renewal and becoming. The circle adds the idea of continuity, wholeness and the recurring movement of the solar cycle.
Together, the symbols can be interpreted as:
- life continuing through change;
- repeated renewal;
- inner stability during transformation;
- the connection between an individual life and a larger cycle.
Its clean, contained form makes it suitable for someone who prefers subtle symbolic jewelry rather than a large statement design.
2. Winged Scarab Pendant: rebirth in motion
The Pendant “Scarab Unfolds Its Wings uses an open-winged composition.
The wings make the design more dynamic and reinforce themes of movement, release and transformation. Historically, winged scarabs appeared in funerary settings and were connected with solar regeneration and protection.
In a modern personal interpretation, the design may represent:
- moving beyond a restrictive period;
- emerging from darkness;
- transformation that has already begun;
- the courage to move into a new stage.
3. Scarab Pendant with Gems: a central symbol of creation
The Scarab Pendant with Gems places the beetle at the center of a more decorative jewelry composition.
The recognizable scarab form remains the focal point, while the gemstones give the piece a more ceremonial and expressive appearance.
This design works for someone who wants the scarab to be visibly readable rather than hidden inside a complex pattern.
Its core symbolic themes are:
- rebirth;
- creation;
- solar renewal;
- personal transformation.
Best for: visible everyday symbolism, statement styling and meaningful gifts.
4. Scarab and Udjat Pendant: regeneration and protection
The Scarabaeus with Udjat Symbol Pendant combines two important Egyptian images.
The scarab represents renewal and regeneration. The Udjat, commonly known as the Eye of Horus, represents protection, restoration and wholeness.
Together, they can be read as:
- protection during change;
- recovery after loss or disruption;
- rebuilding something stronger;
- renewal with greater awareness;
- restoring direction and clarity.
This is one of the clearest symbolic combinations for someone who does not simply want a new beginning, but wants to protect what is being rebuilt.
5. Scarab and Ankh Pendant: rebirth and continued life
The Sterling Silver Scarabaeus Pendant with Ankh and Gems combines the scarab with the Ankh.
The scarab represents the process of regeneration. The Ankh represents life and continued existence.
The combination can therefore symbolize:
- life renewed;
- continuation after disruption;
- personal reinvention without losing one’s identity;
- the transition from an ending into another form of life;
- creative energy becoming tangible.
The design carries more symbolic layers than a standalone scarab and works particularly well for someone already familiar with Egyptian iconography.
Best for: transformation, important anniversaries, recovery milestones and meaningful heirloom jewelry.
6. Scarab Ring with Horus Wings: protection carried every day
The Scarab Ring with Horus Wings integrates the scarab into a ring framed by wing imagery.
The scarab introduces the themes of creation and regeneration. The wings add movement, guardianship and a connection with celestial protection.
Unlike a pendant, a ring remains constantly visible to its wearer. This makes it particularly effective as a daily personal reminder.
The design can represent:
- continuing to move forward;
- protecting a new direction;
- carrying resilience into daily decisions;
- remaining connected with a chosen intention.
Discover more pieces in the full Scarab Jewelry collection or explore the wider Egyptian Jewelry collection.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Egyptian Scarab
What does the Egyptian scarab symbolize?
The Egyptian scarab primarily symbolizes creation, regeneration, rebirth and the rising sun. It was closely associated with Khepri, the deity of the morning sun.
Why was the scarab important in ancient Egypt?
Ancient Egyptians compared the beetle rolling its ball with the sun moving across the sky. The apparent emergence of young beetles from the earth also connected the insect with self-creation and new life.
Is the scarab a symbol of protection?
Yes. Scarabs were used as amulets in daily and funerary contexts. Their protective role was closely connected with renewal, continued existence and the successful transition into the afterlife.
Is the scarab the same as Khepri?
Not exactly. Khepri was a deity who could be represented as a scarab or scarab-headed figure. A scarab image could represent Khepri, but it could also function more generally as a symbol, amulet, seal or hieroglyphic sign.
What does a winged scarab symbolize?
A winged scarab commonly represents solar regeneration, rebirth, movement and protection. Winged scarabs were frequently used in funerary decoration.
What is a heart scarab?
A heart scarab was a funerary amulet placed on or near the chest of the deceased. Some carried inscriptions intended to protect the deceased during the weighing of the heart.
What does a scarab necklace mean?
A scarab necklace can represent renewal, transformation, resilience, new beginnings or a personal connection with ancient Egyptian history and mythology.
Does the scarab mean good luck?
Good luck and prosperity are common modern interpretations. Historically, the scarab was more directly associated with creation, the rising sun, regeneration, protection and rebirth.
Can anyone wear scarab jewelry?
Yes. There is no universal restriction based on gender, nationality or religion. Understanding the symbol’s origin and treating it respectfully are more important.
Is the scarab an evil symbol?
No. In ancient Egyptian culture, the scarab was associated with creation, solar renewal, protection and continued life.
What is the difference between the scarab and the Ankh?
The scarab represents regeneration and rebirth. The Ankh is the Egyptian hieroglyph for life and can also represent continued or divine life.
Does scarab jewelry have supernatural powers?
There is no scientific evidence that scarab jewelry can control events, heal illness or guarantee protection. It can, however, serve as a meaningful symbol, personal reminder or cultural and artistic object.
Final Meaning: Becoming Again
The Egyptian scarab is not simply a symbol of luck.
Its deeper meaning is the possibility of becoming again.
It represents the sun returning after darkness, life emerging from what appeared still and the power of creation repeating itself every day.
For the ancient Egyptians, this cycle was part of the structure of the universe. For a modern wearer, it can become a personal reminder:
- change does not always mean loss;
- an ending can become material for creation;
- progress can continue even when it feels slow;
- identity can evolve without disappearing;
- renewal is not a single event but a repeated process.
Explore handcrafted rings, pendants and earrings in the VarVar Scarab Jewelry collection and choose the design whose symbolic combination reflects the chapter you are entering.
