Hygia

Hygia is the Greek goddess of health, cleanliness, and hygiene. She is often depicted as a beautiful young woman, usually accompanied by a serpent coiled around a staff, a symbol that has come to represent medicine. Hygia is the daughter of Asclepius, the god of healing and medicine, and Epione, the goddess of the soothing of pain. Her sisters include Panacea, who represents the universal cure, and Aegle, who represents the radiance of good health.

In ancient Greek mythology, Hygia was worshipped alongside her father and sisters. Temples dedicated to Asclepius often included shrines to Hygia, where people would go to pray for good health and recovery from illness. Her cult was particularly popular in Athens. The Romans later adopted Hygia, identifying her with their goddess Salus, who also represented health and well-being. The Roman goddess was similarly depicted with a serpent and cup.

The concept of hygiene as a practice for maintaining health is directly linked to the goddess Hygia. Her name is the root of the English word "hygiene," which refers to the practices that promote good health and prevent disease, especially through cleanliness. While Hygia herself was a mythological figure, her name and the principles she represented have had a lasting impact on the understanding and pursuit of health in the Western world. She embodies the ancient Greek ideal of a balanced and healthy life, achieved through both divine favor and personal care.