9 pharmacy symbols you really need to know

National Pharmacists' Day is celebrated annually on September 26th, as an initiative of the Regional and Autonomous Sections of the Order of Pharmacists. And to celebrate this important date, we remember the long and interesting history of pharmacy, sharing interesting facts that you probably didn't know about. Discover, in this article, the origin of pharmacy symbols!

Snake

Throughout history, there have been multiple meanings attributed to the serpent. After all, among legends and prophecies, the figure of the serpent is a constant. Even inEpic of Gilgamesh(one of the first works of world literature) the figure of the serpent appears at the moment when the hero seeks immortality.

Furthermore, the serpent passes throughecdysis process(skin change), normally associated with the concept of “health”, since this process “symbolizes the metamorphosis between birth, life and death”.

Mortar with Pestle

Mortar and pestle is a well-known symbol in the pharmaceutical world. Both were instruments used by apothecaries to grind and crush different ingredients.

The use of this symbol became popular in 1759, especially in Scotland and central Europe.

Nowadays, it is still widely used in the United States of America to identify the pharmacy, as an establishment.

Green Cross

Although it is one of the most popular pharmacy symbols, thecrossgreen was not always as we know it today.

In reality, it began by being incarnated (until it was adopted by the Red Cross in 1863).

From this point on, as a symbol of nature and life, the color green became associated with pharmacy, having been introduced in Great Britain in 1984.

Rod of Asclepius

Asclepius, the Greek God of medicine, learned the art of healing, becoming skilled in surgery and the use of drugs to prevent disease.

Since it was always accompanied by a stick, this pharmacy symbol ended up becoming associated with healthcare.

Hygieia Bowl

According to Greek mythology,Hygia(Greek goddess of health), daughter and assistant of Asclepius (god of medicine and healing), ran to her father's temples with a cup of medicinal potion from which the serpent of wisdom drank.

As such, Hygia began to be represented with a chalice and a serpent. An image strongly associated with the idea of ​​“health preservation”, being one of the best-known pharmacy symbols.

Rx

In the United States of America, Rx continues to be the graphic symbol displayed on pharmaceutical product packaging.

As a derivation of the Latin verb “recipere”, this graphic first appeared in doctors’ notes to chemists, as a mark of authenticity and authority.

Caduceus

Usually calledCaduceus, the symbol of two snakes surrounding a staff decorated with wings also originates from Greek mythology. In fact, the root of this name is found in the quote “KeryKeion” which means “person of the herald” or “one who defends an idea or a cause”.

The Greek god, Hermes, also known as “messenger of the gods” carried with him a staff with two serpents. Although, initially, this insignia was adopted by the printing industry to represent “the messengers of the printed word”; ended up being associated with theUnited States Army Medical Department, in 1902, through the influence of American captain Franklin Reynolds.

Unicorn

Although it may come as a surprise to some, the unicorn is also one of the symbols of pharmacy. Mentioned for the first time in Ancient Greece, this animal has always been a representation of healing and regeneration, having been later adopted by the British monarchy and displayed on theRoyal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom.

In 1617, King James IV of Scotland and I of England granted theSociety of Apothecariesits charter and the image of two unicorns was included in its official coat of arms. Currently, the unicorn continues to be Scotland's official animal, representing, according to Celtic mythology, purity, innocence, masculinity and power.

palm tree

Commonly used by pharmaceutical organizations in Portugal and France, the symbol of the snake and the palm tree is a metaphorical representation of the animal, vegetable and mineral kingdoms, from which the constituents of medicines arise.

Currently, this symbol is used byPortuguese Order of Pharmacistsand byNational Pharmacy Associationas a mark of differentiation.

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