Greek Symbols

Are you fascinated by Greek symbols? Do you want to learn more about these mysterious yet intriguing symbols? It's not surprising because a lot of people are interested in Greek symbols too and they want to learn the meaning behind it or find out more about it. Here are a few symbols and their meanings or explanations:

The Minotaur is a Greek symbol which looks like a creature that is part bull and part man. It is said that the Minotaur resides in the centre of the Labyrinth which is an elaborate maze. This maze was constructed by Daedalus, an architect with the help of Icarus, his son. The labyrinth was built for King Minos of Crete. The site of the labyrinth is the historical site of Knossos. Minotaur in Greek means “Bull of minos”, and this creature was killed by Theseus.

The Asclepius wand, sometimes also called the Asclepius rod is another ancient Greek symbol which is usually associated with the act of healing the sick through medicine. It is also associated with astrology. The Asclepius wand is basically a wand which has a snake or a serpent twirling around it, this represents or symbolizes the healing arts because of the serpent which is shedding its skin. Usually the act of a snake shedding its skin is considered to be a symbol of rebirth as well as fertility. The staff also has a symbolic meaning, a staff is considered to be to a symbol of authority, which is suitable for the God of medicine.

It was believed that the species of the snake which coils itself around the stagg is Elaphe longissima. Although this snake was originally a native of Europe and Asia, but it was brought to Greece by the Romans because of the healing powers or properties of these snakes.

In Greek mythology, another important symbol was the Gorgon. The word ‘gorgo' means terrible or loud-roaring. Gorgon was a terrible and vicious female monster which had very sharp fangs. She was a protective diety, who had such strong powers that anyone looking at her would instantly be turned to stone. She wore a belt of serpents which confront one another and were intertwined as a clasp. There were three Gorgons in Greek mythology: Medusa, Euryale and Stheno. Out of the three the most famous one was probably Medusa, who was also the only mortal among the three. The other two are immortal.