The double snake staff is the symbol of Hermes, the messenger of Mount Olympus in Greek mythology, and the snake staff with single snake plate is the scepter of Asclepius, the Greek drug god, and also the symbol of western pharmacy. Double snake sticks are also related to medicine. It was originally a golden staff owned by Apollo, the god in charge of medicine, because Hermes was a great inventor of musical instruments, and Apollo, the god in charge of music, also candidly admit defeat, and once traded his own things for Hermes' new inventions more than once. This snake stick was bought by Hermes with the invention of the flute.

In addition to delivering letters, Hermes blessed shepherds, travelers, businesses, weights and measures, speeches, literature, athletes, thieves, and a little Apollo, who was famous for his sophistry and intelligence.

Because his most secular function is to protect business and travel, the customs generally uses his double snake sticks to represent the maintenance of trade and travel.