The Egyptian Scarab Beetle was an important symbol in ancient Egyptian religion, signifying renewal, transformation and protection. It was associated closely with the sun god, as the Egyptians saw the beetle’s behavior of rolling a large ball of dung in which to lay its eggs as resembling the progression of the sun in the sky.
Scarabs were also thought to symbolize regeneration, immortality and resurrection, and were used as amulets and impression seals. They were often rendered naturalistically in the round, and the regenerative powers of these scarab amulets could be used by either the living or the dead. The striking color of the carnelian also strengthened its solar associations.