Om (Aum)
Sacred syllable and symbol in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
Hindu, Buddhist, Jain · c. 1500 BCE – present
Caduceus
Symbol of a staff entwined by two serpents, used in medicine and commerce.
Description
The caduceus is the staff carried by Hermes (Mercury) in Greek and Roman mythology, consisting of a short staff entwined by two serpents and topped with wings. It is often confused with the Rod of Asclepius (a single serpent on an unwinged staff), which is the proper symbol of medicine. The caduceus is associated with commerce, negotiation, and communication. Despite the confusion, the caduceus is widely used as a medical symbol in the United States, particularly by the US Army Medical Corps (since 1902).
Origin & Cultural Context
The caduceus appears in ancient Greek art and mythology. Its use as a medical symbol in the US dates to 1902 when it was adopted by the US Army Medical Corps.