Flag of New Mexico

The colors on New Mexico’s state flag are the red and yellow of old Spain. The simple, elegant center design is the ancient Zia sun symbol, which represents the unique character of New Mexico (Zia sun symbol also appears on New Mexico’s state quarter).

The Zia Indians of New Mexico regard the Sun as sacred. Their symbol for the sun (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 is seen repeated in the four points radiating from the circle, each consisting of four bars. To the Zia Indians, the number four represents:

• the four points of the compass (east, west, north, and south);
• the four seasons of the year (spring, summer, autumn, and winter);
• the four periods of each day (morning, noon, evening, and night);
• the four seasons of life (childhood, youth, middle years, and old age);
• the Zia’s belief that with life comes four sacred obligations: one must develop a strong body, a clear mind, a pure spirit, and a devotion to the welfare of others.

The New Mexico state flag was designed by archaeologist Dr. Harry Mera in response to a flag contest sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1923. It is a simple design of the Zia Indian’s sun symbol in red on a yellow field. The Zia sun symbol reflects the Zia philosophy of the basic harmony of the universe; all centering on the sacred number four. Four represents many things including the four seasons, the four directions of the Earth, and the four stages of life (childhood, youth, adulthood and old age).