What does the symbol on Edward's coat mean?


In FMA, the back of Edward's coat shows this symbol:

![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/8Pq48.png)

I can't figure out what it would be a reference to in-universe, because the
symbology seems Judeo-Christian (a cross and what looks like it could be a
serpent), and the show doesn't really have any Christian symbology in it. Is
this some symbol in real life? What is it supposed to mean?




It's called the Flamel (yes, named after [Nicolas
Flamel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_Flamel), purported to be an
alchemist who sought the Philosopher's Stone).

It is most noticeably similar to the [symbol of Hermes, a god of
alchemy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caduceus), and also the [Rod of
Asclepius](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rod_of_Asclepius), which you may
recognize from ambulances as the [EMS
symbol](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_of_Life).

![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/XKs4ym.png) ![enter
image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/pw7E2m.png)

It is not a religious symbol, nor is it ever explained to have a relevance in
the _FMA_ universe. However, given its real life links to alchemy and
medicine, it's safe to say that the author intended to bring forth real-world
alchemical symbols into her universe.

Further reading: [_FMA_ Wiki entry on the
Flamel](http://fma.wikia.com/wiki/Flamel)




It's called the Flamel (yes, named after [Nicolas
Flamel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_Flamel), purported to be an
alchemist who sought the Philosopher's Stone).

It is most noticeably similar to the [symbol of Hermes, a god of
alchemy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caduceus), and also the [Rod of
Asclepius](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rod_of_Asclepius), which you may
recognize from ambulances as the [EMS
symbol](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_of_Life).

![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/XKs4ym.png) ![enter
image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/pw7E2m.png)

It is not a religious symbol, nor is it ever explained to have a relevance in
the _FMA_ universe. However, given its real life links to alchemy and
medicine, it's safe to say that the author intended to bring forth real-world
alchemical symbols into her universe.

Further reading: [_FMA_ Wiki entry on the
Flamel](http://fma.wikia.com/wiki/Flamel)

