Buzz
Much like the song Born in the U.S.A., the caduceus is a Greek symbol often misunderstood, with many attributing meanings to it that are historically inaccurate.
Often referred to as the Staff of Hermes, this ancient emblem features two serpents coiled around a winged rod. It appears prominently in the insignias of the U.S. Army Medical Department [PDF], the Office of the Surgeon General and Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service, as well as various medical organizations and healthcare companies. However, for the vast majority of its 5000-year history, the caduceus was unrelated to the field of medicine.
In Greek mythology, Hermes, the messenger of the gods, traversed the realms of mortals and immortals with his winged footwear. Known for his mischievous nature, he was both a trickster and a companion to his half-brother Apollo, as well as the guide for souls journeying to the underworld. His creations included fire, the alphabet, and even dice. Hermes was also revered as the deity of commerce, riches, language, thieves, and wanderers, and he was an exceptionally skilled lyre player in his leisure time.
Hermes is often portrayed holding the caduceus staff in various artistic representations. According to some legends, Apollo gifted it to him in exchange for a lyre crafted from a tortoise shell. Other tales suggest it symbolizes an event where Hermes used his staff to halt a battle between two snakes, showcasing his role as a peacemaker. The design itself might have roots in ancient serpent worship, tracing back to the earliest days of human civilization.
After the peak of ancient Greece, the caduceus continued to represent travel and commerce, both areas under Hermes's divine jurisdiction. It was incorporated into the insignias of customs agencies in China, Bulgaria, Russia, and several other nations.
In the United States, the caduceus gained an entirely new significance. Its misapplication as a medical emblem appears to originate in 1902, when it was adopted by the United States Medical Corps for their uniforms. This likely stemmed from confusion with the Rod of Asclepius, the true symbol of the Greek god of medicine, which features a single serpent coiled around a plain staff. While the caduceus spread to other U.S. medical and governmental institutions, the Rod of Asclepius remains the symbol of choice for the World Health Organization, the blue Star of Life, and numerous national medical organizations worldwide.
For the United States, a nation known for its boldness and emphasis on imagery, adopting the more visually striking symbol seems fitting. Its historical association with commerce aligns well with a country that boasts the costliest healthcare system globally.
