Symbolism is very important because it helps us to understand a form of history or something the took place. Like Jesus dying on the cross, we christians use a cross to show our beliefs and faith towards him. It's not just religion either. It can be something as simple as the peace sign which was used for the anti-war movement and the dove which is used as a sign of peace and tranquil state of mind. Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.