New Mexico's Flag

The Spaniards brought their standard to the New World; it was a red Cross of
Burgandy on a yellow background for Queen Isabella I. However, the Zia
(representation of the sun) is Native American in origin and named after its
creators. The zia has four groups of four rays representing the gifts that the
Giver of All Good gave in groups of four - 4 directions, 4 seasons, the day
(sunrise, noon, evening, night), and the stages of life (infant, youth, middle
age, old age). The circle of life and love binds them all together with no
beginning and no end.

The flag was created in 1951 by Dr. Harry Mera of Santa Fe in response to a
contest.