The Flag of New Mexico         

The Flag of New Mexico consists of the red sun, called the "Zia," centered on a field of yellow. The colors are based upon those flown by the Spanish Conquistadors when they first traveled through New Mexico in search of "El Dorado," the Lost City of Gold. 

The design of the flag was determined through a contest in 1920.  Dr. Harry Mera, an archeologist, was the winner. 

Dr. Mera used a decorative symbol that was found on Zia Pueblo pottery.  The pottery was dated back to the 18th century.  The Zia is not just seen on the flag, it has become a decorative symbol throughout New Mexico.  It is a symbol created by a Pueblo Indian more than 200 years ago.

The symbol has sacred meaning to the Zia Pueblo.  Four is a sacred number that symbolizes the Circle of Life:

The Four Winds
The Four Seasons
The Four Stages of Life
The Four Times of Day

The circle binds the four elements of four together representing life and love, with no beginning and without end.

Throughout the history of New Mexico, the flags of Spain, the Republic of Mexico, the Confederate States of America, and the United States of America have all flown over the state.

The official salute to the flag of New Mexico is:  "I salute the flag of the State of New Mexico and the Zia Symbol of perfect friendship among united cultures."

NEW MEXICO...VISIT FOR A LIFETIME