Exploring Sun Symbolism

 

The Sun Symbol

The Sun Symbol is found in every society in history. Envisioned by many as a celestial influence the sun is universally seen adorning innumerable works of art and inscriptions.

The culture of the Ancient Chinese acknowledged the sun as the Great Male Principle – the definitive Yang. It was also said to represent the sun as a cosmic eye keeping close watch over its realm through the daylight hours.
 
In alchemy, the sun is known as sol, symbolic of intelligence or understanding. Gold is considered the substance of the sun.

Other materials recognized as sun symbols are:

• · Bronze
• · Gold
• · Diamond
• · Ruby
• · Topaz

In astrology the sun represents the side of us that shines out freely and uninhibited to our friends, family, co-workers, etc. Where it is situated when we are born has direct impact on our personal characteristics.

   

Sun symbolism includes:

• . Life
• · Power
• · Strength
• · Energy
• · Force
• · Clarity
• · Self

 Mythology

In ancient Egypt the sun is associated with the Horus, Ra and Osiris. Horus represents the rising sun, Osiris the setting sun, and Ra represents the sun’s highest point.
Greek mythology links the sun with observing or visualization as the sun is said to be the eye of Zeus. Hindu mythology views the sun is the eye of Varuna, and is also considered the “celestial invigorator.”

The sun is linked with male energy in most cultures. However, the Celts associate it within the sun’s rays with feminine energy, as do also, Ancient Africans, Japanese, Germanic, and a number of Native American tribes.

Solar Animals

Animals are also viewed as symbols of the sun. Eagle represents the rising sun in all its blazing glory and supremacy over the cities of man. The magnificent Tiger is the sun when it’s setting in the evening skies.

 

Other solar animals considered to be sun symbols are:

• · Hawk
• · Lion
• · Salamander
• · Horse
• · Phoenix
• · Eagle
• · Lion
• · Dragon

Zia Pueblo Sun Symbol

       

 

This image, The Zia, is an ancient Zia Pueblo sun symbol. “Zia” meaning sun. The Zia are an indigenous tribe based at Zia Pueblo, an Indian reservation in the state of New Mexico, US... The Zia are known for their pottery and use of the Sun symbol.                                                
Zia is an Arabic name meaning Light. Light emitted from objects such as the Sun and the Stars rather than the reflected light of the Moon. It is named Noor.

The Sun Symbol

The Zia Indian sun symbol represents the earth’s four directions, the four seasons, the four periods of each day and the four seasons of life and also mans four sacred duties: to cultivate a strong body, a clear mind, a pure spirit, and to uphold the welfare of his people. This ancient symbol is found on pottery, art, and other Zia Pueblo artefacts.
Consisting of a red circle with groups of rays pointing in four directions, it is painted on ceremonial vases, drawn on the ground around campfires, and used to introduce newborn children to the Sun along with other sacred rituals.
The number four is considered sacred by the Zia Indians, and can be seen repeatedly in the four points radiating from the crimson circle. It’s outreaching lines which extend in the four directions of the compass, give the symbol sacred meaning to the Zia. The sacred number four symbolizes the Circle of Life: four winds, four seasons, four directions, and four sacred obligations. The circle binds the four elements of four together

The Zia Sun Symbol is the sole symbol featured on the Flag of the State of New Mexico. The red sun honours the Indian Nations, on a yellow field (yellow was the royal colour of the Spanish crown carried by the conquistador Coronado in 1540, the date of his entrance into New Mexico, at Zuni and the first recorded European contact with North American Indian people)

The new state flag was designed by Dr. Harry Mera of Santa Fe, New Mexico, an archaeologist familiar with the Zia sun symbol found at Zia Pueblo on a 19th century pot.
The salutation, “I salute the flag of the State of New Mexico and the Zia symbol of perfect friendship among united cultures," was many years ago commonly recited in New Mexico public schools after the United States pledge of allegiance.
It is the firm belief of Zia Wolf-Sun that as we cross cultures and nations in our virtual worlds, that this “Zia symbol of perfect friendship” be a reminder to us all, of of our obligations to respect and treat in the right way everyone we should meet in course of our virtual travels. Let it be so!!