sym·bol·ism 
/ˈsɪmbəˌlɪzəm/ noun
/ˈsɪmbəˌlɪzəm/ noun [noncount] 1 : the use of symbols to express or represent ideas or qualities in literature, art, etc.
▪ The story was filled with religious symbolism. 2 : the particular idea or quality that is expressed by a symbol
▪ What is the symbolism of the lion in the picture? [=what does the lion symbolize in the picture?]
▪ The story was filled with religious symbolism.
▪ What is the symbolism of the lion in the picture? [=what does the lion symbolize in the picture?]
