Zia Nail File

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