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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?


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2014-05-03T02:08:46.437
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fullmetal-alchemist-series
What does the symbol on Edward's coat mean?


Its a [Flamel](http://fma.wikia.com/wiki/Flamel)

> The Flamel refers to the mystical and alchemical symbol depicted as a cross
> with a snake or serpent draped about it, as well as detached wings and a
> crown above it.
>
> In Alchemy, the Flamel represents the _" fixing of the volatile"_, a vital
> step in the alchemical opus' process, related to the making of the mercury's
> elixir and of curative processes.

The Flamel is named after [Nicolas
Flamel](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_Flamel) Whom After his death
developed a reputation as an alchemist. However, these legendary accounts only
appeared in the seventeenth century.

> "Flamel was a real person, and he may have dabbled in alchemy, but his
> reputation as an author and immortal adept must be accepted as an invention
> of the seventeenth century." \- Dixon, Laurinda


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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)


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Well as everybody on here has said, it's a flamel which is a symbol created by
the alchemist Nicholas Flamel.

After looking into it a bit more, I learned that Flamel often used this symbol
when he talked about the Elixir of Life in his books.

So that makes it a fitting symbol for Dante, as she thought she had discovered
immortality.

As far as the wings and crown, I'm not sure what those represent, as those are
not part of the original Flamel symbol. I'm guessing its something Dante added
to it, to make it her own. But like I said, I'm not sure what it represents.


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I found a bible verse similar to this in Numbers 21:8, stating

> And the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and
> everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.”

Another interpretation is "to be pure, to be purified". I say this because in
FMA, alchemy is what the world revolves around. Even in our reality, alchemy
was fabled to transmute any metal into gold. Since gold is considered to be
the purest of all metals, we can also transcribe that context to the purest
(or purified) form of expression, ideas, self, etc.


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Though I know where you were going with the Christian symbolism. The snake on
the rod (also a root that the medical symbols came from because People were
healed by looking at the snake on the rod)


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It is also said to be the crucifixion of the serpent(AKA the natural man)
which sort of happens to Ed as the series progresses.


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