What Is Hermes Sacred Symbol?

Hermes, the Greek god of commerce, thieves, travelers, and communication, is one of the twelve Olympian gods. He is also known as the messenger of the gods and a patron of poetry and literature. In ancient Greece, Hermes was considered one of the most important gods due to his diverse range of responsibilities.

One of the most recognizable symbols associated with Hermes is his winged sandals. These sandals allowed him to move swiftly and easily between the mortal world and Mount Olympus where he would deliver messages from the gods.

However, there is another symbol associated with Hermes that is just as important: the caduceus. The caduceus is a staff entwined by two snakes and topped with wings. It’s a symbol that has been used for centuries in various cultures to represent trade, negotiation, eloquence, trickery, and alchemy.

In Greek mythology, Hermes used the caduceus to guide souls to Hades after death. The snakes on the staff were said to have healing powers and were often used as a symbol for medicine. This association with medicine has led to some confusion between Hermes’ caduceus and the Rod of Asclepius which only features one snake.

The caduceus has also been adopted as a symbol by modern organizations such as medical associations and military branches. However, its use in these contexts has been controversial due to its association with Hermes who was known for his trickery and deceitful behavior.

In summary, while Hermes’ winged sandals are an iconic symbol associated with him, it’s important not to overlook his caduceus. This staff entwined by two snakes represents trade, negotiation, eloquence, trickery, alchemy – all fitting for a god who was responsible for such diverse areas of human life.