Last modified: 2013-04-13 by ian macdonald
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Capela do Alto means "a chapel on the height", a name coined by the
inhabitants of the banks of river Sarapuí, who "went to the chapel on
the height", the chapel being also known as the Santa Cruz chapel. The
origin of the chapel is disputed; some say it is linked to
evangelization of the region by the Jesuits, while other claim that
three crosses were originally erected on the site to commemorate a
triple murder. Later on, the monk João Maria de Augustini erected
another 11 crosses; the 14 crosses were used in 1960 as the Way of the
Cross during Lent. The district of Capela do Alto was established in
1950.
The municipality of Capela de Alto was inaugurated on 26 March 1965.
http://www.camaracapeladoalto.sp.gov.br - Website of the Municipal
Council
The flag of Capela do Alto is white with the municipal coat of arms and, seemingly, some green-yellow addition in upper hoist.
Photos:
http://www.capeladoalto.sp.gov.br/noticias/prefeitura-estuda-parceria-com-associacao-comercial-em-capela-do-alto-implantacao-do-mei-pode-ser-benificiada/20100127102551_I_092
http://www.camaracapeladoalto.sp.gov.br/HistoriaDaCamara.aspx
The coat of arms of Capela do Alto is prescribed by Municipal Law No. 38 of 10 February 1966 as "A Portuguese shield, per fess, 1. Azure a mound sable ensigned by a rising sun or, 2. Argent, a chapel gules. The shield surmounted by a mural crown or masoned sable. The shield supported dexter by a branch of orange tree and sinister by a plant of maize the two proper. Beneath the shield a scroll gules inscribed with the motto 'UNITAS ET FIDES' in letters argent."
The Portuguese shield, traditionally used in Brazil, recalls the
Lusitanian tradition.
Azure recalls the limpid and marvellous sky over Capela do Alto. The
mount represents the Ipanema Hill dominating the town. The rising sun
is a symbol of joy and aspiration to progress for the emerging
municipality.
Argent represents the alleged silver loads of the Ipanema Hill, which
attracted so many foreigners in the region, to no avail. The chapel
recalls the origin of the town of Capela do Alto, founded on the
territory of Itarassú.
Orange and maize are the main sources of income for the municipality.
The mural crown is a symbol of municipal emancipation.
The Latin motto reads 'Unity and Faith".
http://www.camaracapeladoalto.sp.gov.br/Simbolos.aspx
Ivan Sache, 23 March 2013