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Symbolism is both everywhere and nowhere: symbolism, objectively, doesn't exist - the Crucifix doesn't objectively signify Christianity for example, it just is. We only look at the crucifix as a symbol of Christianity because we have chosen to associate that symbol with that ideaology. So symbolism, objectively, doesn't exist at all, but subjectively it exists everywhere. We create symbolism: we associate certain images, sounds, tastes etc. with experiences detached from their independant, objective existence.
Thus, because symbolism is entirely subjective, we are free to create our own symbolism, and, in fact, this association we create between certain imagery or other sensual impressions and a particular emotional response or ideaology would have been essential for our survival at the dawn of humanity (lion symbolises danger and death, red berries symbolise poison and death, fire symbolises warmth and....erm..... death).
Long story short, we find symbolsim wherever we like and are free to create our own. Symbolism helps us understand possibly transcendent ideas (death, love, spirituality etc.) in tangible terms, and thus helps us to understand that which we would otherwise be unable to. Symbolism gives us meaning and we are free to create that meaning wherever we wish.
Heh, so another good topic BSE. Keep those shrooms fresh, keep these slightly insane topics rolling. 
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