AboutIrulan Serena Expertise Able to answer any question dealing with Greco-Roman mythology. Experience comes from teaching classical literature in all levels of the school curriculum from middle school to university level for thirty-eight years.
Question helllo, I need to know If the Greek God Hermes had any signs or symbols and if so, then what where they. Thank yo so much
Answer Hello Caroline,
Among the symbols of Hermes are the herald's staff (kerykeion in Greek and Caduceus in Latin, which consists, in some versions, of a staff twined with two white ribbons, and in others, of a staff twined with snakes in a figure-eight shape, sometimes with wings), cock, tortoise, and purse or pouch. Often depicted in a broad-brimmed hat or winged cap, he is generally sculpted as a comely young man in the nude (aren't they all?) or in shepherd's, workman's, or traveler's clothing.
Another symbol of Hermes was a Herma, (plural hermaiherm) was a roadside pillar or column, rectangular or square, with the head of Hermes
Yet another symbol of Hermes is a roadside mound of stones, whose origin lies in the myth of Io.
Hermes is usually depicted with a broad-brimmed hat or a winged cap, winged sandals and the heralds staff (kerykeion in Greek, or Caduceus in Latin). It was often shown as a shaft with two white ribbons, although later they were represented by serpents intertwined in a figure of eight shape, and the shaft often had wings attached. The clothes he donned were usually that of a traveler, or that of a workman or shepherd.
The winged boots and cap are used today to symbolize speed …used by the International Florists Assn.
Other symbols of Hermes are the cock, tortoise and purse or pouch, the syrinx (pan-pipes).
