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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]
The medical symbol of serpents wrapped around a staff is a familiar one in the field, decorating pharmaceutical packaging and hospitals alike. Snake bites are generally bad news so the animal...
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.
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]
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.
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.
This symbol was used throughout the Civil War for Hospital Stewards. Many Surgeons and Assistant Surgeons were identified by an embroidered “M.S.” on the hat or shoulder strap, and by a green sash. After the Civil War, the U.S. Public Health Service adopted the Caduceus as their symbol in 1871.
One of the most enduring symbols in the medical profession is the image of a snake coiled around a staff. You’ve likely seen it emblazoned on hospitals, medical organizations, and even on ambulances. But why would a profession centred on healing and care adopt a creature often associated with danger?
The Rod of Asclepius is a medical symbol showing a snake coiled around a staff. It represents healing and may originally have represented the treatment for Guinea worms.
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.