The New Mexico Flag And Zia Symbol History
New Mexico State Flag Facts
The New Mexico state flag is used during occasions where New Mexico is officially represented. It is the citizens’ privilege to use the flag as they see fit, so long as it is an appropriate circumstance and the flag is treated with dignity and respect as it is displayed and handled.
It is a very simple design, but it has an elaborate meaning.
The colors come from old Spain; yellow and red are found in the Spanish Cross of Burgundy flag, used during the reign Phillip the II (1556-1598). The Spanish viceroys used this flag during their time in the New World. (Check out New Mexico’s history here.) The red and yellow in the New Mexico flag honor Isabella I of Castile and stem from this part of our history.
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| A Bold And Simple Design |
Dr. Mera was an archaeologist and was familiar with the ancient symbols of Native peoples. His inspiration for the flag was drawn from a Zia symbol found on an old clay pot. That symbol was created by a woman from Zia Pueblo, New Mexico. Dr. Mera modified the design and used the royal colors of yellow and red from Spain to tie it all together.
Dr. Mera wanted to share the Zia symbol meanings of perfect friendship among united cultures not only within The Land of Enchantment, but also outside of the state, wherever New Mexico was being represented. This statement of inclusion and peace is even part of the state pledge, which is still recited after the Pledge of Allegiance in some school districts throughout the state.
In 2001, the North American Vexillological Association conducted a survey which found New Mexico to have the best designed flag of any U.S. state, territory, or Canadian province.
Show Your State Pride & Get Your Very Own New Mexico Flag!
Zia Indians put high regard on the sun. For them, the sun is sacred. For many ancient cultures the sun was worshiped as an entity wholly necessary to life, and it appears the Zia Indians were no different. Due to the high regard they held the sun in, its symbol (the Zia) is found on ancient pottery and ceremonial vases.
The Zia Indians also regard the number four as sacred, shown by the sun having four points in the circle, each with four bars.
The Zia symbol represents the number four for the points in the compass, which are north, south, east, and west.
The four seasons of summer, autumn, winter, and spring are also represented.
The number four also corresponds to the periods within a day, which are the morning, noon, evening, and night.
Finally, the seasons of life are accounted for which are childhood, youth, middle adulthood, and late adulthood.
It is also the belief of the Zia Indians that a human’s life has four obligations which are sacred and must be fulfilled. Each person should strive to have a strong physical body, pure spirit, crystal clear mind, and the desire to help others.
Isn't that a great principle to live by? I love it.
Many years ago the Zia salutation was recited after the Pledge of Allegiance by all students. Now only select school districts continue the tradition. The pledge is this:
"I salute the flag of the State of New Mexico and the Zia symbol of perfect friendship among united cultures."
I think it's a great message, don't you? I love my state.
Related Pages:
New Mexico State History
New Mexico State Capital History
New Mexico State Bird
New Mexico State Flower
