| The red and yellow colors of
this flag were first brought to Santa Fe in 1540 by the Spanish.
The motif in the center of the flag is an ancient symbol of the
Native American people called the Zia who lived in the Zia pueblo.
They believed that the "Great Giver" gave in groups of four. The
four sets of four rays represent the four gifts that are; the
four directions (north, east, south and west), the year (four
seasons), the day (sunrise, noon, evening, and night), the life
cycle (childhood, youth, middle years and old age). All of these
are bound together in a circle of love, which is without beginning
or end. The flag design was by Dr. Harry Mera and the first flag
was made by his wife. |