The stamp from Greece shows the Greek mythological God Hermes, wearing a winged cap or petasos.
From Wikipedia:
Quote:
A petasos or petasus (Greek: πέτασος) is a sun hat of Thessalian origin worn by the ancient Greeks, often in combination with the chlamys cape. It was usually made of wool felt, leather or straw, with a broad, floppy brim. It was worn primarily by farmers and travellers, and was considered characteristic of rural people. As a winged hat, it became the symbol of Hermes, the Greek mythological messenger god (Roman equivalent Mercury).
The Romans borrowed the story and mythology from Greece for their God Mercury.
Shown above him is a caduceus. From Wikipedia again:
Quote:
The caduceus (☤; play /kəˈdjuːsiːəs/ or /kəˈdjuːʃəs/; from Greek κηρύκειον k"rukeion "herald's staff"[2] ) is the staff carried by Hermes in Greek mythology. The same staff was also borne by heralds in general, for example by Iris, the messenger of Hera. It is a short staff entwined by two serpents, sometimes surmounted by wings. In Roman iconography it was often depicted being carried in the left hand of Mercury, the messenger of the gods, guide of the dead and protector of merchants, shepherds, gamblers, liars, and thieves.[3]
Posted 05/26/2012 06:33 am
