The available reference and historical-medical literature, as well as articles and special publications devoted to medical emblematics (snakes, staff, bowl, etc.) contain conflicting interpretations of the semantic content of these symbols, and sometimes unfounded statements. In this work, on the basis of a thorough analysis and a comprehensive generalization of extensive historical, archaeological, historical, medical, folklore and data from other areas of knowledge, the ideological origins of the formation of medical symbols, its semantic content and origin are described. The close relationship of the symbols of medicine with the emergence and development of medical science and practice is shown.