I think this event and this situation would need some sort of unifying symbol.
For a lonely people, an Emperor is a guiding beacon and a unifying symbol.
Although he will not rule, he can serve as a unifying symbol.
"Beef is one of the great unifying symbols of our culture," observed the Guardian.
No one else is ready to take over, or the fragile new nation needs a unifying symbol; there's a foreign challenge or domestic crisis.
Of the crucifix, she added: "Most universities have a central unifying symbol.
As our unifying symbol, the First Lady should begin the trend.
A decade later, the nation's lacrosse team started carrying the flag to competitions, and it became a unifying symbol.
Its meaning in relation to the town is therefore quite visible even today as a unifying symbol of town, people and church.
Citizenship is a unifying symbol in Australia's culturally diverse society.