Zia Sun Symbol Gate
by David Patterson
Title
Zia Sun Symbol Gate
Artist
David Patterson
Medium
Photograph - Photography Hdr
Description
The Zia Indians of New Mexico regard the Sun as a sacred symbol. Their symbol, a red circle with groups of rays pointing in four directions, is painted on ceremonial vases, drawn on the ground around campfires, and used to introduce newborns to the Sun. 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, south, east, 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 believe that with life come 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 are bound together within the circle of life.
The Zia Sun symbol also adorns the New Mexico state flag, the governor's stationery and the yellow pages, peddling items from pest control to portable toilets.
Uploaded
June 25th, 2013
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