In short and simple terms, the phrase "symbolic way" means using symbols or signs to express or represent something, rather than using direct words or actions.
Sentences with «symbolic way»
They are indispensable symbolic ways of making ourselves in some sense contemporary with the past events of salvation history. (religion-online.org)
That forces them to think in more symbolic ways when defining a term. (educationworld.com)
Different churches treat their children in different symbolic ways. (religion-online.org)