The yellow field and red symbol colors are the colors of Spain. First brought to New Mexico by Spanish explorers in 1540. On New Mexico’s flag we see a red sun with rays stretching out from it. There are four groups of rays with four rays in each group. This is an ancient sun symbol of a Native American people called the Zia. The Zia believed that the giver of all good gave them gifts in groups of four. These gifts are: the four directions—north, east, south and west, the four seasons—spring, summer, fall and winter, the day—sunrise, noon, evening and night, life itself—childhood, youth, middle years and old age. All of these are bound by a circle of life and love, without a beginning or end.