In Greek Mythology, Hygieia was the goddess of health, cleanliness and sanitation. Grandaughter of Apollo and daughter of Asklepios, the god of medicine and healing, she was associated with the prevention of sickness and the continuation of good health.She was often depicted as a young woman feeding a large snake that was wrapped around her body. Sometimes the snake would be drinking from a jar that she carred. Her sacred snake together with the rod of Asklepios, is today the symbol for medicine.
