Does the Mayan calendar predict the end of the world on December 21, 2012?

Doomsday may be December 21, 2012 according to many reports that are based on the Mayan calendar- there is even a special on the History channel that says so. However, in order to better understand where all of the mystery begins, it may be necessary to understand what the Mayan calendar is and how it works.

The Mayans developed a system that consisted of three separate calendars- The Long Count, the Haab and the Tzolkin. The Long Count lasts approximately 5,125 years- a period of time that is referred to as the “Great Cycle”. It was used for historical purposes and can define any date for millennia in the past and future. The Haab calendar is based on the cycle of the sun and runs for 360 days. It was a civil calendar with 18 periods of 20 days. The Tzolkin is based on a 260 day cycle. It consists of 20 periods of 13 days.

According to the Long Count calendar, the end of the current “Great Cycle” will be December 21, 2012. This is where all of the hype referring to the end of the World kicks in. Researchers, however, do not agree that this date signals the end of the World. Instead, they say this signifies the end of one cycle and the beginning of a new cycle and this is reason for celebration. Although some predictions and tales that are woven around the Mayan calendar predict the end of the World, others simply say that December 21, 2012 is a day to celebrate the end of one “Great Cycle” and the beginning of a new one. This call for excitement is considered similar to celebrating the New Year in current culture.

Regardless of the end results, millions of people are preparing for doomsday. Reports of skyrocketing sales of shelters, weapons, survival equipment and supplies do not go unnoticed. Yet others refer to this as a “spoof” similar to the Y2K hysteria many suffered from as the calendar turned over to the year 2000. Survivalists were prepared for a complete collapse of the computers in use at the time and fear was at an all time high. Yet all of the sales of batteries and bottled water did not accomplish much more than boosting sales of items that were viewed as necessary to survive the pending emergency.

Humans love a touch on adrenaline, a tinge of fear and a sprinkle of excitement. The mystery surrounding the Mayan calendar is no different. After all- a little intrigue never hurt anyone, did it?

Resources:

The Mayan Calendar - predicting the end of the world?

Current Mayan Date