New Mexico State Symbol

Zia (Sun symbol)

Adopted in 1925.

The flag of the state of New Mexico consists of a red sun symbol of the Zia on a field of yellow. The colors honor the flag of Aragon Realm and was brought by the conquistadors.

The Zia are an indigenous tribe centered at Zia Pueblo, an Indian reservation in New Mexico, US. The Zia are known for their pottery and use of the Sun symbol. The people are a branch of the large Pueblo community

New Mexico State Symbol: Zia (Sun symbol)

In 1923, the D.A.R. conducted a design competition to produce a flag that was representative of New Mexico's unique character. The distinguished Santa Fe physician and archaeologist, Dr. Harry Mera won the competition. His wife, Reba constructed the winning design with a symbolic red Zia on a field of gold. In March of 1925, Governor Arthur T. Hannett signed the legislation which proclaimed the Mera design as the official state flag.

The Zia are an indigenous tribe centered at Zia Pueblo, an Indian reservation in New Mexico, U.S. The Zia are known for their pottery and use of the Sun symbol. The people are a branch of the large Pueblo community. The Zia Pueblo has been occupied continuously since 1250 AD. The traditional language of the Zia Pueblo is Keresan, but many may speak Spanish, some speak Navajo and most also speak English.

The Zia Indians of New Mexico regard the Sun as a sacred symbol. Their symbol, a red circle with groups of rays pointing in four directions, is painted on ceremonial vases, drawn on the ground around campfires, and used to introduce newborns to the Sun. Four is the sacred number of the Zia and can be found repeated in the four points radiating from the circle. The number four is embodied in:

The 16 rays represent important ideas found in our natural world. The earth, with its four directions (north, east, south and west) and four seasons (winter, spring, summer and fall); the four parts of day (morning/dawn, noon/daylight, afternoon/dusk, and night/dark); the four divisions of life (infancy, youth, adulthood, and old age); and all of these elements are bound together by a circle representing life and love, with no beginning and without end.

The symbol is featured on the Flag of New Mexicoand in the design of both the New Mexico State Capitol and New Mexico's State Quarter entry as well as the state highway marker. But given its history, the Pueblo would like people to first request permission before using it.