The reason why the icon of the Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China is a snake is as follows: the first aid symbol "snake around the staff" is a Western medical symbol, originating in ancient Greek mythology. Legend has it that, in ancient Greece, there is a god doctor in the cloud traveling around the world for people to cure, always holding a snake around the cane. As a result, the snake emblem has now become a global medical symbol.
Previously, the symbol on Chinese ambulances was the Red Cross, followed by the White Cross. Since this symbol could be confused with the International Red Cross, the symbol on ambulances in China was changed to the international version of the snake emblem to avoid confusion.
Expanded InformationThere are two major systems of medical banners in the world: one is the double-snake-wrapped staff with two wings standing on top as the theme, and the other is the single-snake-wrapped staff as the theme. The double-snake, double-winged staff is derived from the wand of Hermes/Macri, the divine messenger in Greek mythology. The single-serpent staff is the main symbol of the Roman god of healing, Achilles. Traditionally, it is believed that the Single Serpent's Staff is the orthodox medical symbol.
The two-serpent staff, symbolizing the cross of medical care, will be withdrawn from the 120 emergency network. In its place will be the blue snake staff, blue snake staff through the Star of Life, meaning to save lives. 120 front-line emergency personnel and ambulances, will be fully dressed, both ambulance body, or emergency doctors, nurses, winter uniforms, protocol clothing, spring and autumn clothing, will be in the obvious parts of the new logo wear.
Baidu Encyclopedia - Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China