The list, map like elements allow properties and arguments of Java type List, Set to be defined and set in Configuration File itself.

Java Code: 
<bean id="moreComplexObject" class="example.ComplexObject">
<!-- results in a setSomeList(java.util.List) call -->
<property name="sampleList">
<list>
<value>a list element followed by a reference</value>
<ref bean="myDataSource"/>
</list>
</property>
<!-- results in a setSomeMap(java.util.Map) call -->
<property name="someMap">
<map>
<entry>
<key><value>yup an entry</value></key>
<value>just some string</value>
</entry>
<entry>
<key><value>yup a ref</value></key>
<ref bean="myDataSource"/>
</entry>
</map>
</property>
</bean>