Based on the figurative language, what object is

being used as a symbol?

the answer is water if its this passage

Drops of water fell on the red blanket and soaked into dark icy spots. [Father Paul] sprinkled the grave and the water disappeared almost before it touched the dim, cold sand; it reminded him of something - he tried to remember what it was, because he thought if he could remember he might understand this. He sprinkled more water; he shook the container until it was empty, and the water fell through the light from sundown like August rain that fell while the sun was still shining, almost evaporating before it touched the wilted squash flowers.

-"The Man to Send Rain Clouds,"

Leslie Marmon Silko

Answer: water