Carpenters who are members of trade guilds recognize the scribing tradition as having a symbolic and initiatory meaning that remains a secret.

UNESCO: Intangible Cultural Heritage

The apology will carry much broader symbolic meaning for a people whose forebears occupied Australia for tens of thousands of years before the British claimed it in 1788.

ECONOMIST: An apology but no compensation

Then there are the symbolic gestures or emblematic gestures that have a meaning or provide a piece of information.

FORBES: 02.21.08, 6:00 PM ET

Not only is the traditional suckling pig, generally served in times of celebration, available on many menus, but many additional dishes with special meaning highlight these holiday menus such as noodles which symbolize longevity, sweet rice dumplings symbolic of family unity, and shrimp which represents happiness.

FORBES: Here Comes the Rabbit with Luck and Prosperity for All - Vegas Style