The Caduceus symbol: history behind the iconic doctor's symbol

The Hindu

25-05-2025

Symbols have been an important societal element since time immemorial, but have you ever wondered how certain symbols came about? Moreover, did you know a certain medical symbol we stumble upon every day was not meant as a representation of the profession but rather a misinterpretation?
In the world of medicine, one of the most recognised yet often misunderstood symbols is the Caduceus. From ambulances to hospital logos and doctors' vehicles, the Caduceus frequently appears as a representation of healthcare and healing. However, this winged staff with two serpents entwined around it is steeped in ancient mythology and has a fascinating—and sometimes controversial—history in its adoption by the medical profession.
The Staff of Asclepius and the backstory
Contrary to popular belief, the Caduceus is not historically associated with healing or medicine. A different but similar-looking symbol, the Rod of Asclepius, is in fact associated more with the same field. This symbol features a single serpent wrapped around an unadorned staff, with no wings, and is associated with Asclepius, the Greek god of healing and medicine, who was widely revered in the ancient world.
Asclepius was a demigod and healer so skilled that he was said to be able to bring the dead back to life. His sanctuaries, known as Asclepieia, served as healing centres where the sick would come for treatment, often through ritual, rest, and holistic therapy. The serpent in his symbol is thought to represent rejuvenation and renewal, as snakes periodically shed their skin.
How did the mix-up happen then?
The confusion between the Caduceus and the Rod of Asclepius began in the 19th Century, particularly in the United States. In 1902, the U.S. Army Medical Corps adopted the Caduceus as its emblem. The symbol then began appearing more frequently in North American medical contexts, gradually becoming mistaken as the true emblem of medicine. This misassociation was further cemented by its use on ambulances, in hospitals, and by various healthcare institutions.
Despite its widespread use, many medical professionals and scholars argue that the Rod of Asclepius remains the more appropriate symbol due to its historical and mythological ties to healing and medicine. The World Health Organization (WHO), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the British Medical Association (BMA), among others, use the Rod of Asclepius.
Story of Caduceus
Hermes is an Olympian deity from the ancient Greek religion and mythology, considered to be the herald or messenger of the gods. He is also known as Mercury in Roman mythology and is widely considered the god of commerce, communication, travel, and trickery as well as the protector of human heralds, travellers, thieves, merchants, and orators. He also plays the role of the psychopomp or 'soul guide' (conductor of souls into the afterlife). His staff, the Caduceus, was a winged rod with two serpents intertwined in a symmetrical spiral.
A common mythological story associated with the origin of the Caduceus symbol is how it was created when Hermes threw his staff at two snakes in the attempt to end a fight between them. The snakes stopped their battle and wrapped themselves around the rod. This combination of staff and two snakes became the symbol for resolving disputes peacefully. In time, it also became a mark of commerce.
The global view
The confusion between the Caduceus and the Rod of Asclepius appears to be more prevalent in the United States than in other parts of the world. In Europe and many non-Western countries, the Rod of Asclepius is more consistently used as the medical symbol. This divergence can sometimes create confusion among international medical professionals and organisations.
Furthermore, other cultures have their own symbols of healing. In ancient India, Ayurveda traditions emphasised the balance between bodily elements (doshas), often represented through symbolic diagrams rather than a staff. In China, the Yin-Yang symbol represents balance in health, showing another cultural approach to representing wellness and healing.
Symbolism Behind the Caduceus
Dual Serpents: These can represent duality and balance, such as health and illness, life and death, or the physical and spiritual aspects of healing.
Wings: The wings are often interpreted as a symbol of speed and protection. In modern emergency medicine, this could represent rapid response and care.
Staff: The central rod may signify support, authority, or the backbone of the healthcare system.
Modern Use and Continued Debate
Today, both symbols can be found in use around the world, but their meanings and appropriateness continue to be debated. There are also discussions within the medical community about the importance of understanding and preserving symbolic accuracy. Misusing the Caduceus may seem trivial to some, but to others, it reflects a broader lack of attention to history, tradition, and meaning.
The symbol a society chooses to represent its healthcare system carries more than aesthetic value. It reflects the principles, history, and cultural narratives of healing. Understanding the true meaning behind these symbols encourages a deeper appreciation for the values that underpin the healthcare profession: knowledge, healing, compassion, and ethical practice. As medicine continues to evolve, so too should the awareness of the symbols that represent it, ensuring they reflect the noble purpose they are meant to serve.
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