Why did Clifford Geertz emphasize the interpretation of symbols and rituals?

Clifford Geertz, a central figure in symbolic anthropology, emphasized the interpretation of symbols and rituals because he viewed culture as a system of inherited conceptions expressed through symbolic forms. For Geertz, these symbols serve as the primary means by which individuals communicate, develop, and perpetuate their knowledge and attitudes toward life.1

He argued that the fundamental function of culture is to impose meaning on the world, making it understandable to those within it. Consequently, he believed that the role of an anthropologist is to act as an interpreter of these guiding symbols. Geertz characterized anthropological work as a text-oriented task, where the researcher interprets the complex, "symbol-laden" field notes gathered during research to produce ethnographies. By focusing on these symbols, Geertz sought to uncover the local meanings and complex patterns of experience that formal scientific procedures often fail to capture. His approach highlighted the inherent "partiality" of anthropological research, encouraging scholars to recognize the limits of objectivity when interpreting the rich complexities of social action.12