This page is part of © FOTW Flags Of The World website

Aldeia Galega da Merceana e Aldeia Gavinha United Commune (Portugal)

Last modified: 2015-08-29 by klaus-michael schneider
Keywords: aldeia galega da merceana | aldeia gavinha | pillory | quina | star(6-point) | cross(black) | grapevine | pitcher |
Links: FOTW homepage | search | disclaimer and copyright | write us | mirrors



União das Freguesias de Aldeia Galega da Merceana e Aldeia Gavinha, Concelho de Alenquer, Distrito de Lisboa


See also:

Former Aldeia Galega da Merceana commune (until 2013)

[Aldeia Galega da Merceana commune (until 2013)] 2:3 image by Sérgio Horta, 21 Aug 2015

It is a typical Portuguese communal flag, with the coat of arms centred on a plain blue field.
Source: here
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 21 Aug 2015

Coat of arms

Shield Argent, a pillory Purpure superimposed by a coronet Or and surrounded by alternating 6-point-stars Gules (four pieces) and inescutcheons Azure charged with five plates in quincunx (three pieces). Mural crown Argent with four visible towers (town rank) and white scroll with inscription in black initials: "ALDEIA GALEGA DA MERCEANA".
Meaning:
The pillory from the 15th century is alluding to the fact, that the location had been a town (see also the mural crown) and seat of a county (Port.: comarca). The pillory had been a marc of honour of any town then. The shield is said to represent a family tree. The stars probably are attributes of Our Lady of Prazeres, the local patron saint. And the inescutcheons (quinas) refer to the fact that the location had been one of the "Vilas das Senhoras Rainhas", literally "towns of the queens", which is also symbolized by the coronet.
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 21 Aug 2015

Published in Diário da República: III Série on 7 July 1995
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 21 Aug 2015


Presentation of Aldeia Galega da Merceana

Aldeia Galega da Merceana Commune was one of the pre-2013 communes of Alenquer Municipality (q.v.); it had 2079 inhabitants in 2011 and covered 19.7 km².
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 21 Aug 2015


Former Aldeia Gavinha commune (until 2013)

[Aldeia Gavinha commune (until 2013)] 2:3 image by Klaus-Michael Schneider, 21 Aug 2015

It is a typical Portuguese communal flag, with the coat of arms centred on a plain purple field.
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 21 Aug 2015

Coat of arms

Shield Argent divided by a cross Sable charged with a grapevine Purpure leaved Vert in every quarter. The base arm of the cross is charged with a golden pitcher. Mural crown Argent with three visible towers (village rank) and white scroll with inscription in black initials: "ALDEIA GAVINHA".
Meaning:
The pitcher is an attribute of St. Mary Magdalen, the local patron saint.
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 21 Aug 2015


Presentation of Aldeia Gavinha

Aldeia Gavinha Commune was one of the pre-2013 communes of Alenquer Municipality (q.v.); it had 1142 inhabitants in 2011 and covered 8.3 km².
Klaus-Michael Schneider, 21 Aug 2015


back to Alenquer Communes click here