The word 象征 is formed through a vivid conceptual fusion: the first character 象, originally picturing an elephant, evolved to mean "form" or "appearance", the tangible, visible shape of something. This is combined with 征, which conveys the idea of a journey or a sign that points toward a destination. Together, they create the notion of "using a concrete form (象) to point toward or stand for (征) an abstract idea", perfectly capturing the essence of symbolism, where a physical object becomes a vehicle for a deeper, often intangible meaning.