New Mexico State Flag

Date adopted: Mar 15, 1925

The official flag of New Mexico, adopted in 1925, bears a profound and distinctive symbolism that represents the state's rich Native American and Hispano heritage. It features a striking red sun symbol of the Zia people against a golden (yellow) background, a combination that reflects the colors of the Spanish flag, signifying the state's history under Spanish rule. The flag is recognized for its unique design, lacking the colors blue and white, which sets it apart from most other U.S. state flags. Notably, it incorporates Native American iconography, a rarity among state flags. The proportions of the symbol are legally specified by New Mexico law. In its history, the state went through an unofficial flag phase before adopting the current design in response to a call for an official flag that truly represented its heritage, thanks to Dr. Harry Mera's design. The Zia sun symbol used in the flag has sacred meaning to the Zia people and was initially used without their permission, leading to ongoing discussions regarding its use and appropriation. The flag's salutation emphasizes unity among diverse cultures, reflecting its importance in New Mexico's identity.