The caduceus is a short staff, surrounded by two serpents, and occasionally surmounted by wings. In ancient Greek mythology, it is the staff of the messenger of the Gods, Hermes. In Roman mythology, the God Mercury adapted the staff as a symbol. Since antiquity, the caduceus is a symbol of trade, commerce, heralds, and wealth.
Especially in the United States, health institutions began using the Caduceus instead of the Rod of Asclepius, which depicts only one snake and does not bear wings. Although some criticize the usage of the symbol of the God of commerce being used for healthcare, the association with health has grown strongly. It is a fascinating and contested expansion of symbolic meaning.
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