
Last modified: 2008-08-30 by ian macdonald
Keywords: minas gerais | divinópolis | 
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The following is from 
the official municipal site:  The flag is orange (representing the municipal 
territory, which is comprised mainly of red-orange soil), with the coat of arms or logo on the 
center.  The coat of arms is an artistic rendition of the 
dove of the Holy Spirit with its wings and tail spread, in reference to the 
original 1770 name of Divinópolis, Espírito Santo da Itapecerica.  It is 
constructed of a white hexagon symbolizing the city proper (said to indicate 
the harmonization by the municipal authority of the commitments to 
development, justice, and security on the one hand (the lower side), and 
liberty, equality, and well-being (the upper side).   On the upper part, a 
black figure represents an ingot of pig-iron, symbol of the importance of 
the steel industry, with the head of the dove outlined by its lower edge.  
In the lower part is a partial depiction of a red-orange cogwheel, symbol of 
machinery and commerce, recognizing the role of the railroad and "indicating 
the triumph of intelligence over brute matter," the upper edge forming the 
tail of the dove, its six indentations.  The white areas stretching to right 
and left, besides being the wings of the dove, also symbolize social 
development and expansion.  As to the colors, the orange is the symbol of the 
sun, fire, and warmth.
Black is noted to be the sum of all three primary colors.  White is the 
combination of all the colors of light, and alludes to the Holy Spirit as well.
Joseph McMillan, 11 March 2002