Apartments & Inflation 4” sew on patch

Apartments & inflation are pressing issues today. People are increasingly squeezed by high rents and devalued dollars. The caduceus staff, an ancient symbol of commerce traditionally carried by Hermes in Greek and Egyptian mythology, is reimagined here. Instead of serpents, the staff is entwined with rats, a nod to New York City’s notorious residents. The wings, which enabled Hermes to traverse between the heavens and earth, are humorously likened to ‘rats with wings’—a New Yorker’s term for pigeons—highlighting the rats’ ability to fly between trash cans.

Atop the staff, a pile of burning money symbolizes inflation, while the fire escapes on the depicted apartment building suggest a longing to escape to simpler times. This design uses humor to address a serious issue, embodying the adage that laughter is a potent remedy for navigating tough times. 

4” embroidered patch