⚕️ Origin of the Most Popular Pharmaceutical Symbol – The Snake and the Bowl The iconic symbol of a snake entwined aroun…

⚕️ Origin of the Most Popular Pharmaceutical Symbol – The Snake and the Bowl

The iconic symbol of a snake entwined around a bowl originates from the attributes of the ancient Greek goddess of health, Hygieia (yes, the word “hygiene” comes from her name). Hygieia was often depicted with a snake, which she fed from a bowl. This bowl, entwined with a snake, later became known as the “Bowl of Hygieia.”

But why did she feed a snake? The snake, with its ability to shed its skin, was seen in many ancient cultures as an immortal creature, possessing the secret to eternal youth.

The Bowl of Hygieia has been a symbol of medicine since ancient times. However, pharmacists adopted it only in the late 18th century. In 1796, the image of the bowl was engraved on a commemorative coin for the Paris Society of Pharmacy.

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