Wel about the symbolism of fullmetal alchemist.
I would like to say that I think the symbolisme of the anime is less word than the manga. If you look at it, and I did, You can see there are some flaws in the anime.
I've been reading alchemy books recently and I think arakawa-sensei did a great job on resources.
Symbols like:
You all said it: ourobouros tatoo
The homuncli, those transmutation cirkels are real to...
I don't agree with fact metal equals sin.
I don't think that goes for that fact.
The explination of the symbols will also be much easier if the manga ends, wich I hope won't be soon, then you can actually figure it out.