Subliminal broadcasting of the shape of São Paulo

São Paulo, a rhombus-shaped state

If you have lived in or visited São Paulo you will almost certainly already know what the state of São Paulo looks like geometrically. A quick look at a map of Brazil will show you Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro states to the north, Paraná to the South and Mato Grosso Do Sul, inland. In between is a lozenge-shaped state called São Paulo.

But most often you will have seen this shape, not on a map but in the city itself, on signs, roads and vehicles. Apparently independent symbology is actually derived from the shape of the state and once you become conscious of it, its omnipresence becomes apparent.

Below are some day to day examples, there are, of course, many more:

No smoking signs in the shape of São Paulo

São Paulo state flag flying in the shape of São Paulo

Decorative pavement tiles in the shape of São Paulo

Police cars embossed with the shape of São Paulo