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The caduceus is the traditional symbol of Hermes and features two snakes winding around an often winged staff. It is often used as a symbol of medicine, especially in the United States. Ancient sources associate Hermes with a variety of attributes, including wisdom, trade, deception, thievery, eloquence, negotiation, and alchemy. [1][2]
Snake bites are generally bad news so the animal might seem ill-fitting as the symbol of the medical profession, but the ancient emblem actually has quite a story behind it.
Known as the symbol of medicine, the Caduceus depicts the image of two serpents wrapped around a staff with wings. It might seem ironical that destructive creatures like snakes are used to represent a healing purpose, but here’s the history behind it and the symbolism it represents.
In modern times, it is the predominant symbol for medicine and health care, although it is sometimes confused with the similar caduceus, which has two snakes and a pair of wings. [1]
Although the Rod of Asclepius, which has only one snake and no wings, is the traditional and more widely used symbol of medicine, the caduceus is sometimes used by healthcare organizations. Given that the caduceus is primarily a symbol of commerce and other non-medical symbology, many healthcare professionals disapprove of this use.
The symbols of medicine: a story of snakes, staffs and Greek gods. A common emblem for medicine depicts one or two snakes coiling up a staff. This symbol, often referred to as a ‘caduceus’, has been frequently used as a pharmacy or healthcare company crest.
The caduceus, a staff with two snakes coiled around it, is the official insignia of the United States Medical Corps, Navy Pharmacy Division, and the Public Health Service. The caduceus is also the magic wand carried by Hermes (the Romans knew him as Mercury), the messenger of the gods.
The Rod of Asclepius, also known as the Staff of Asclepius, a serpent-entwined rod wielded by the Greek god Asclepius is today associated with medicine and health care. It’s the symbol of medicine, but it’s often confused with the staff of the god Hermes, the caduceus.
The Rod of Asclepius symbol, also known as the Staff of Asclepius, is comprised of two main elements: a rod with a serpent wrapped around it. It is an ancient Greek symbol that is associated with the medical field. The god of healing and medicine in ancient Greek religion/mythology was Asclepius.
The list of medical symbols and their meanings include the Caduceus, Rod of Asclepius, Bowl of Hygieia, Serpent and Cross, and the Red Cross. Each symbol has a unique representation in the field of medicine, such as healing, pharmacy, emergency, and healthcare.