A symbolic drawing is not realistic, but represents a concept in an abstract way.
The notion of symbolic derives from the late Latin symbolĭcus , in turn from the Greek symbolikós . It is an adjective that is used to refer to what is linked to symbols .
Expressed by a symbol
A symbol is an element that allows an idea or an entity to be represented through an association or by convention . What is expressed with a symbol and what symbolizes something, in this framework, is mentioned as symbolic.
A drawing of a red heart , for example, is a symbolic way of representing or expressing love . This feeling, conventionally, is associated with the heart, which in turn is expressed graphically in a specific way. Thus, a certain stroke with a particular color becomes a symbol of love.
symbolic value
The symbolic value of an object, meanwhile, goes beyond the factors of the economy and the market. Every commodity has an exchange value (related to its equivalences within the framework of a trading system) and a use value (linked to its utility). Furthermore, it can have a symbolic value that arises from meanings and signs, transcending the practical purpose of the product and its price.
A car manufactured in 1960 , for example, today may have a very low market value due to its age. However, if that car belonged to a famous artist, it acquires a high symbolic value. It is important to note that in some cases it may happen that a material good from the past acquires a high symbolic value and also a market value, precisely because it becomes coveted by many people.
Returning to the example of the car, if in addition to having been discontinued a long time ago it belonged to a famous person, it is likely that certain collectors will offer exorbitant sums of money to get it. However, the artist's admirers may simply view him fondly, as a material link to that person they admire but will never be able to meet.
Allegory about practicality
The symbolic, on the other hand, is that which has greater allegorical or figurative importance than practical or concrete. A symbolic hug to a bankrupt club, to indicate one case, implies a manifestation of support or accompaniment to the institution , but it does not modify the basic problem on its own.
It is also possible to point out as symbolic a very economical or simple gift that we give to someone when we do not have money, for example, or when we know that we are not giving them something that they really need or find useful , but we do it so that they know that we think in it. When giving a gift with these characteristics or with this intention we usually say "It's nothing, it's a little detail, it's something symbolic."
The symbolic value of an object is independent of its exchange value.
Another situation in which a gift can be considered symbolic is when an institution holds a contest whose prize is a tiny amount of money, which in no way can contribute to the economic situation of the winner. The reason for such a decision may be that only those people who want to focus on the experience participate, and that no one does so driven by the prize .
Finally, a symbolic act can serve to express regret in the face of an irreversible event that has caused a lot of damage. Precisely, its practical value is zero, but in some cases it can make a difference if the feelings are authentic . It is important to remember that it never hurts to recognize our mistakes, from the smallest to the most serious, especially if they have harmed other people. Even in the worst cases, an apology can offer them a little peace by showing them that we are aware of the consequences.