What does the term "symbols" in cultural context refer to?

The term "symbols" in a cultural context refers to expressions through art and language. This encompasses a wide range of cultural artifacts and practices that convey meaning, represent ideas, and encapsulate shared experiences within a community or society. Symbols can take the form of visual art, written language, music, rituals, and other creative expressions. They help to communicate complex concepts, values, and beliefs, often allowing for a deeper understanding and connection among individuals within the same cultural framework.

When examining the other options, legislation and formal regulations do not align with the notion of cultural symbols as they are more focused on legal structures rather than expressive forms. Declarations of personal opinion might reflect individual perspectives but lack the broader cultural significance that symbols provide. Personal and secret codes between individuals may have meaning within specific contexts but do not typically encapsulate the shared cultural meanings that symbols, as understood in this sense, convey. Thus, expressions through art and language best capture the essence of what "symbols" signifies in cultural discussions.