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Official State Flower of New Mexico

New Mexico designated the blossom of the desert yucca plant (pronounced “yuh-ka”) as the official state flower in 1927.

The yucca flower was selected by the schoolchildren of New Mexico and was recommended by the New Mexico Federation of Women’s Clubs. The legislation does not specify a particular species of yucca (there are 40-50 varieties).

Seeing these lovely flowers in abundance on the plains and deserts of New Mexico, early settlers called them “our Lord’s candles.”

New Mexico’s State Flag

When the North American Vexillological (the study of flags) Association determines that your flag is the best-designed of any US state, US territory, or Canadian province, you’ve definitely earned bragging rights. The Zia is the design on the New Mexico state flag.

The Meaning Behind the Zia Sun Symbol

A branch of the Pueblo community, the Zia are an indigenous tribe originally from the four corners region. In the 13th century, they migrated to a rocky ledge above the wide Jemez River Valley at the base of the Jemez and Nacimiento mountains in northern New Mexico.

Both the sun and the number four are sacred to the Zia. The Zia sun symbol represents:

• the four cardinal directions (north, south, east and west)
• the four seasons of the year (spring, summer, autumn and winter)
• the four periods of each day (morning, noon, evening and night), and
• the four seasons of life (childhood, youth, middle years and old age)

 These four elements are tied together by a circle of life that has no beginning and no end.

 Additionally, the Zia also believe that humans have four sacred obligations. They must develop:

• a strong body
• a clear mind
• a pure spirit, and
• a devotion to the welfare of their people