The first State Flag of New Mexico flown over the state was designed by historian Ralph Emerson Twitchell. Mr. Twitchell's state flag was blue with a small representation of the flag of the United States in the upper left hand corner and the New Mexico State Seal in the lower right hand corner. "NEW MEXICO" was embroidered diagonally across the state flag from the lower left hand corner to the upper right hand corner. In 1920, the Daughters of the American Revolution suggested that a new design be adopted. The simple and meaningful design features an interpretation of an ancient symbol of the sun as found on a late 19th century water jar from Zia Pueblo. This red symbol is called a "Zia" and is centered on a field of yellow. Four is the sacred number of the Zia and can be found repeated in the four points radiating from the circle. The number four is embodied in the four points of the of the compass, North, East, South and West; in the four seasons of the year Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter; in the 24 hours of each day by sunrise, noon, evening and night; by four seasons of life, childhood, youth, adulthood and old age. The Zia also believed that with life came four sacred obligations: development of a strong body, a clear mind, a pure spirit and devotion to the welfare of people/family. All of these things are bound together within the circle of life. The red and yellow colors are the colors of Isabel of Castilla brought to the continent by the Spanish Conquistadors.

Outdoor flags available in nylon (digital dyed) or 2-ply polyester material (screen dyed) to meet the most demanding commercial and residential uses. All outdoor flags are finished with polyester heading and brass grommets. Indoor flags in nylon (digital dyed) with pole hems and available plain or fringed. Stick flags available in lightweight polyester or silk-like material.