What does the black box most likely symbolize in shirley jackson’s “the lottery”?

In a way, it symbolizes the town's history.  It reminds them to keep the lottery going with the sacrifices of their ancestors. 
Though, it also symbolizes DEATH. 
- Since the paper picked from it leads to a person being stoned (despite its representation of rich cultural history) -  this box is also a morbid symbol for the powers of fear & tradition.

Hospital, bank, museum, cinema,park,restaurant