The History of the New Mexico State Flag

The History of the New Mexico State Flag. . , When New Mexico attained statehood in 1912, it did not have a state flag. In 1915, Colonel Ralph Emerson Twitchell designed a flag to mark the new state's participation in the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in San Diego. It featured a turquoise blue field, with the United States flag in the upper left, the words “New Mexico” in silver lettering in the center, and “47” in the upper right (reflecting New Mexico's admission as the 47th state). The state seal was placed at the lower right, with the words “The Sunshine State” wrapped around it., The current New Mexico state flag was designed by Dr. Harry Percival Mera. It was the winning design in a contest sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1920. Dr. Mera was a physician who was interested in archaeology, and he incorporated the Zia Sun symbol used on pottery at Zia Pueblo into his design. In March of 1925, Governor Arthur T. Hannett signed legislation proclaiming Mera's design as the official state flag., The Sun has sacred meaning to the people of Zia Pueblo. The Zia Sun design features a red circle, with four groups of four rays projecting outwards in four directions. These rays represent the four directions, four seasons, four parts of the day, and the four phases of life. A circle representing life and love binds all four elements together, with no beginning and without end. , Salute to the State Flag , The salute to the New Mexico State Flag was officially adopted in both English and Spanish:, . “I salute the flag of the state of New Mexico, the Zia symbol of perfect friendship among united cultures.” , . “Saludo la bandera del estado de Nuevo Mejico, el símbolo Zia de amistad perfecta, entre culturas unidas.”, Zia Illustration , Winter . Spring . Summer . Fall , Dawn . Daylight . Dusk . Dark , North . South . East . West , Infancy . Youth . Adulthood . Old Age