. Traces of red paint on the columns in the entry hall suggest they were to represent something made of wood, since red was the color Egyptians used for wood, as green was for plants or plant leaves. When evaluated as a whole, all of the decorations and patterns in the stone work symbolize wood, reeds, and the brick elements of earlier Egyptian buildings. This could possibly be contributed to the Egyptians pride for their new feats in construction, as well as a built in history of how their techniques had evolved. At the end of the entry hall, the columns double in number, which many scholars believe symbolizes the Nile River. Since this river was highly regarded by the Egyptians, and sustained their culture, it is probably safe to assume that the entry hall represents some aspect of the beginning of the journey to the after life, traveling down the fertile Nile river.The Heb-sed court shows evidence that ceremonies probably took place within the complex, possibly even involving the King before his actual death. This court is labeled the Heb-sed court because of an ancient Egyptian ceremony titled Heb-sed. Every King was entitled to undergo this ceremony after occupying the throne for a certain number of years, which varied between dynasties. The jubilee ceremonies believed to have been held here were to regain the king’s vigor through the exercise of magic. This was believed to be essential for the welfare of the kingdom. One specific event, supported by artifacts, was a sort of physical race through the courtyard involving the king. It may have been derived from primitive belief that the fertility of the fields depended in some way on the physical agility of the king. Regardless of what actual ceremonies took place in the complex, the idea that traveling through the site most certainly represented the path from earth into the after-life. The only difference was that all of the previous rulers of Egypt built their py...
