New Mexico's distinctive insignia is the Zia Sun Symbol, which originated with the Indians of the Zia Pueblo in ancient times. It's design reflects their tribal philosophy, with it's wealth of pantheistic spiritualism teaching the basic harmony of all things in the universe. Four is the sacred number of the Zia and the figure is composed of a circle from which all points radiate. These points made up of four straight lines of varying length personify the number most often used by the giver of all good gifts.

To the Zia Indian, the sacred number is embodied in the earth, with its four directions, north, south, east and west; in the year, with its four seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall; in the day, with the morning, noon, evening and night; in life; with it's four divisions, childhood, youth, manhood and old age. Everything is bound together in a circle of life and love, without beginning, without end. The Zia believe that in the great brotherhood of all things, man has four sacred obligations: he must develop a strong body, a clear mind, a pure spirit and a devotion the welfare of his people.