Most of us are too caught up with the science of medicine and often ignored the meaning of the symbol of medicine.
The Rod of Asclepius/Asklepios, an ancient symbol associated with medicine and healing, consist of a rod entwined by a serpent. (Asclepius is the son of Apollo, a medicinal practitioner in ancient Greek mythology)
Another symbol is a staff entwined by 2 serpents and surmounted by wings, is known as Caduceus. It is often confused with Rod of Asclepius, which has only one snake and no wings. It is the magic staff of Hermes, the god of commerce, eloquence, invention, travel and theft, and hence is the symbol of heralds and commerce, not medicine.
The association of snake and medicine can be interpreted in a few ways:
- shedding of skin and renewal symbolized rejuvenation
- snake venom can be fatal or have medicinal properties (developed into antivenom), reflecting ambiguity of the use of drugs, which can help or harm.
The rod also represents resurrection and healing, or that of an itinerant physician.
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