Zia

The Zia Sun Symbol can be seen on the New Mexico state flag. It is a symbol of the Zia Indians. Their symbol, a red symbol with groups of rays pointing in four directions, is used to symbolize ceremonial activities and even to introduce newborns to the Sun.

The sacred number of the Zia is 4, and can be seen in the the four points radiating from the circle. The number 4 is embodied in:

• The four points of the compass (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)
• The four seasons of life (childhood, youth, middle, and old age)
• The four sacred obligations one must develop (strong body, clear mind, pure spirit, and a devotion to the welfare to others) A strong belief of the Zia.

Given it's history, the Pueblo would like to first request permission before using the Zia Symbol, but it is used frequently by others without permission.

Historians believe that the Keresan speaking residents of Zia are desendants of the ancestral Puebloan people of the Four Corners Region who migrated to the Jemez River Valley sometime in the 13th century. Spanish expolrers encountered the Zia in 1583 when they noted the biggest Pueblos was the one the natives called "Tsiya" which the Spanish later altered to "Zia"

So, you see it everywhere and on countless things here in New Mexico. It's called Zia, and is embedded deeply in our culture. Next time you see one, you will say, "I know what that symbol is!"

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