The copper snake on a rod became the symbol of medicine and the symbolic identification of medical schools, health organizations and hospitals.
Painting The Metal Serpent by the painter Jusepe Leonardo, made between the years 1630 and 1640. In one of the recurring protests of the Israelites against God and Moses, they are punished by sending poisonous snakes that cause the death of many due to their bite. . Regretful, they beg Moses to help them. God orders Moses to make a metal sculpture (copper or bronze depending on the version) and for the bitten to fix their eyes on it. Those who do it are cured of the bite. Photo: Wikimedia Commons – Wikipedia
The biblical narrative relates that, in a moment of desperation, Jehovah sent poisonous snakes to punish the Israelites for their lack of faith and gratitude toward him and Moses, leaders who had guided them out of Egypt. However, in response to the people’s pleas, Moses interceded and received divine instructions to create a copper snake and place it on a rod.
Those who were bitten by the snakes and looked towards this image would be healed.
From the Bible to today: the snake as an emblem of healing
This biblical story, recorded in the book of Numbers, chapter 21, verses 4-9, is considered by many to be the origin of the serpent symbol in the medicine. The copper serpent on the staff became an emblem of healing and protection against disease, a symbol that has endured through the centuries.
Although the snake has also been associated with wisdom and fertility in various cultures, its connection to the story of Moses and its role in healing the Israelites made it a powerful and significant symbol in the medical context.
This link between Moses and the medicine today, reminds us how ancient stories and symbols continue to influence our understanding and practice of health and healing today. The snake, as a symbol of healing and protection, remains a reminder of the human ability to find hope and healing even in the most difficult times.
The serpent symbol, however, is not exclusive to Jewish or Christian tradition. In Greek mythology, the snake was also associated with healing and medicine. Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine, he carried with him a staff with a coiled snake, a symbol that was later adopted by the Romans as the emblem of Aesculapius. This serpent staff became an icon of healing and protection, sharing similarities with the story of Moses and the copper serpent.
The connection between spirituality and health in history
The parallelism between these ancient narratives highlights the deep connection between spirituality and health in various cultures throughout history. The snake, in its role as an agent of healing and protection, becomes a universal symbol of hope and healing in times of adversity.
In the medicine In modern times, the snake symbol continues to be used as an emblem of the medical profession, recalling both the ancient history of healing and the commitment of medical professionals. health with the well-being and protection of their patients. Although the scientific understanding of medicine has evolved considerably since the time of Moses and Asclepius, the essence of healing and hope remains central to medical practice today.
Thus, the story of Moses and the copper serpent not only offers a fascinating look at the historical roots of the symbol of medicinebut also invites us to reflect on the intersection between faith, spirituality and health in different times and cultures. In a world where illness and uncertainty are inevitable, the snake remains a powerful reminder of the human ability to find healing and hope even in the darkest of times.
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