The Sun [Hieroglyph.]

was represented sitting upon a lion with rays of light about his head, and a bundle of ears of corn in one hand, to express the power and goodness of that luminary, in causing all the fruits of the earth to bring forth their increase; and sometimes by a beautiful young gallant, standing half-naked in a ship neatly trimm’d, supported on the back of a large crocodile, with flames of fire round about it. The swiftness of the sun’s motion was represented by a winged horse. Sometimes they represented the sun by a Phoenix, and also by a hawk, because of its quick sight. The sun was an universal God, adored in all parts of the world. In Britain, its idol stood upon an high pillar, as half a man with a face full of rays of light, and a flaming wheel on his breast. From the Sun, the first day of the week is denominated Sunday.