From myth to medical icon
The symbol of a snake wrapped around a rod - also known as the "Rod of Asclepius" - originates from Greek mythology. Asclepius, in ancient Greek culture, was the god of medicine, who had the ability to heal all diseases and even bring the dead back to life. He was seen as the embodiment of benevolence and medical knowledge.
According to legend, the rod associated with Asclepius symbolizes the journey of a physician: Always needing support (the rod) to overcome difficulties and challenges. The image of a snake wrapped around the rod has a special meaning. Snakes, in nature, are creatures that regularly shed their skin, symbolizing regeneration and recovery. For the medical profession, the snake is a reminder of the ability to heal, new life and the natural cycle of human health.
The image of Asclepius and his staff was engraved on many statues and temples in ancient Greece and Rome. Later, when medicine developed into a true science, this symbol was maintained as the official symbol of the medical profession.
In modern medicine, snakes are also associated with the use of venom. Snake venom, while dangerous, contains many medicinally valuable compounds that are used to develop drugs to treat diseases. This further strengthens the connection between the image of the snake and the healing power of medicine.
Another common symbol in the medical field is the image of a snake wrapped around a medicine bowl (the Bowl of Hygieia), representing the pharmaceutical industry. This symbol comes from the goddess Hygieia - daughter of Asclepius, considered the patron goddess of health and hygiene. This image has a profound meaning: The snake represents the wisdom, caution and power of medicine - which can both save lives and cause danger if used incorrectly. The bowl of medicine represents the preparation and use of medicine to bring health.
Together, the symbol emphasizes the pharmaceutical industry's responsibility to create and deliver safe, effective medicines that protect and improve the quality of life.
Balance between healing and danger
The snake is often associated with medicine and antiseptic properties, as it possesses antivenom to protect against its own venom. The snake's ability to shed its skin also symbolizes the cycle of life and rejuvenation.
However, snakes not only symbolize rebirth but also serve as a warning about the potential dangers of medicine. Snake venom, if not handled properly, can be fatal. This reminds doctors and health care workers that medicine is a double-edged sword: It can save lives, but it can also cause harm if not practiced carefully and ethically.
The snake, from a creature with a scary appearance, has become a meaningful symbol of the medical and pharmaceutical industries. If the image of a snake wrapped around a stick symbolizes the healing power and responsibility of the medical profession, then the snake wrapped around a medicine bowl emphasizes the role of the pharmaceutical industry in protecting health through the preparation and use of safe and effective drugs.
Over thousands of years, these symbols have retained their vitality and strong symbolic value. For those working in the medical field, they are a reminder of the great responsibility: Every medical decision requires care, dedication and ethics, because human health and life are always the highest value.
Confused with the Caduceus symbol
Another common symbol associated with snakes is the Caduceus - a staff with two snakes wrapped around it, with wings on top. This is a symbol of Hermes, the messenger god in Greek mythology, and is not actually related to medicine.
The confusion between the two symbols arose in the early 20th century, when the U.S. military began using the Caduceus as the symbol for its medical units. However, the Caduceus originally represented commerce, communication, and diplomacy - areas associated with Hermes. Meanwhile, the Rod of Asclepius had only a snake and no wings, and was purely symbolic of medicine, healing, and the responsibilities of a physician.
(Posted on the special edition of Lao Dong Xuan At Ty)
