Symbolic Animal

This chapter says we are symbolic animals, conventional and representative. This chapter says that we learn those symbols, so it is like we since the very first time that come to this world, start adquiring the representation of all those symbols that are present in our daily lives and also those which aren't. It says that we don't come to the world "knowing" symbols. I think it doesn't apply for everyone, but I recognize it can be generalized. But thats not my point, my point is, why each symbol has it's meaning? or how does each symbol got its own representation? at what time we started giving meanings and associations to symbols? were we animals or humans when this occurred? Maybe is not easy to answer this, but I believe deeply in our minds we have those basis which are fundamental in creating and recognizing symbols, and thats why I think people yes learn symbolism but also we could have a perception that helps us "guess" the meaning of a symbol, like something that comes with the whole package, not just by using it. From ancient times, we have been creating these symbols, people often mind: what does it represent? and they spend years trying to figure out, but what if we concentrate on why were they created? maybe we would understand that we could have made them to help us in the transition of Life, on adaption, and most of all, to preserve our achievements and our race maybe?