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D.O. Caduceus Gifts
Two snakes or one?
By tradition, the medical profession has been recognized
by the caduceus symbol - a crude stick or staff intertwined
with two serpents. The authentic caduceus of a doctor of
osteopathy, however, is entwined with only a single serpent.
There is an appropriate, though little known, reason behind
this distinction.
In Greek and Roman mythology, the gods Hermes and Mercury carried a staff with
two serpents. These two gods are described respectively as the "conductor
of souls to Hades" and the "god of commerce and thieves." In
contrast, the Roman god of healing, Aesculapius, carried a staff with a single
snake. Snakes were sacred to Aesculapius because it was believed that they could
renew their youth by shedding their old skin and growing a new one.
Historically, D.O.s have chosen to identify with the healing symbolism of Aesculapius'
single snake emblem rather than the images portrayed by the patrons of the two-serpent
version. NOTE: The addition of wings to either staff acknowledges medical personnel
with military status.
We take pride in offering several gift items
featuring the authentic D.O. caduceus.
D.O. Bookmark
...............................$5.00
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