The symbolness of apples
An apple is not only a
symbol with many meanings such as
love and
health, but it also enjoys a special position as a
symbol of symbols.
We are more likely to use an apple than any other fruit when we try to exemplify a concept that require some concrete object which really does not need to be specified, but we do so anyway just because it is simpler to give an example and move out of the realm of the abstract.
Newton's apple is one example of the 'symbolness' of apples: any object would do, but the familiarity of the apple makes the concept of gravity easier to understand.