a purely 'symbolic' act/gesture [=an act/gesture that is intended as a symbol of something but that does not have any real effect]
The number 7 has 'symbolic' significance/importance [=has significance/importance as a symbol] in their religion.
The storm is 'symbolically' important in the story.
(..) C'mon, cut. Cut, cut, cut,... Y'know what? I think we can just leave it at that. It's kinda like a symbolic gesture... Rachel! That was a library card! Cut, cut, cut, cut, cut, cut, cut.. Y'know, if you listen closely, you can hear a thousand retailers scream. Welcome to the real world! (..)1994 TvShow: Friends Title: The One Where Monica Gets a Roommate Season: 1 Episode 1