Sa (hieroglyph)
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In ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic characters, the sa symbol meant "protection". Its perceived magical power made it a popular element of amulets and charms, and it was associated with several Egyptian gods, notably Tawaret and Bes.
The symbol's origin is uncertain; a number of possibilities have been suggested, including that it represented a papyrus life-jacket used by ancient Egyptian boatsmen. It is believed to be related to the ankh, which may represent an evolved or modified version of the sa.pl:Sa