Abstract
A symbol is not the opposite of reason, even less rational thought. Symbols and symbolism are rather complementary.
A symbol should be an abstraction, something which mathematics cannot do without. Here, the symbol is considered a concentrate, a crystal in which historically anchored knowledge, and frequently also an explanation for historical and contemporary phenomena, are hidden.
Here, the symbol is in the position of a cultural term which links and explains many forgotten experiences in society. In the symbol slumbers the memory of past times and former meanings.