Asclepius

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In Greek mythology, the god of medicine (Roman Aesculapius); son of Apollo; father of Panacea and Hygieia, goddess of health. His emblem was the caduceus, a winged staff encoiled by two snakes; the creatures appear to renew life by shedding their skin. His worship originated in Thessaly in northern Greece, but the major sanctuary of the classical period was at Epidaurus. Patients slept in his temple overnight, and treatment was based on their dreams. The cult spread to Rome in 293 BC.

The bison's head, star, rose, and crescent are traditional symbols of Moldavia. The colours are based on the Romanian flag. Effective date: 3 November 1990. >>