'Caduceus'—Or the Significance of Serpents as Emblem of Art of Healing and the Snake Worship
نویسنده
چکیده
as dispellers of evils and diseases. Mythologically a snake is represented as a creature emerging from the earth and is therefore associated with the mystery of the earth and represents the magic of prophecies, power, dreams and as an aid to the physician in the art of healing. The snakes have therefore from early history became a ritualistic symbol oi whatever is hidden and mysterious. Even to this day the serpents, in one form or the other? represent as an emblem of medical profession. The Royal Army Medical Corps, the Indian Medical Service, the Indian Army Medical Corps, World Health Organization and many other medical societies have adopted serpents as their emblem of art of healing. Why has so much importance been given to this reptile in worship, knowledge and the representation ot health ? The significance of serpents in mythology and the interpretation of the Caduceus as the medical emblem are discussed in this connec-
منابع مشابه
Snake and staff symbolism, and healing.
Since time immemorial the snake has been venerated as an enigmatic creature with supernatural powers. As a snake and staff symbol it is also traditionally associated with the healing arts, either as the single-snake emblem of Asklepios, or as the double-snake emblem (caduceus) of Hermes. The mythological basis for this symbolism is reviewed. The Asklepian emblem has been associated with health ...
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