The Year 2012 in Mayan Territory

The year 2012 in Mayan territory has become something of a controversy that has been a topic of conversation for the last couple of years. As the famous (or infamous) date comes nearer and nearer, it has been steadily building a supernatural connotation. What is going on in these ancient Mayan ruins?

The large ceremonial centers of Tulum, Palenque and Chichen Itza, among others, have been preparing for the imminent arrival of tens of thousands of tourists that will make the historic pilgrimage to this very unique event.

What exactly is the significance of the year 2012? We have seen dozens of documentaries, television series and movies that mention the supposedly imminent "end of days." To understand this date, we have to look at three types of ways that the ancient Maya measure time: the "tzolkin" (the "religious" 260-day calendar), the "haab" (the "civil" 365-day calendar) and the long count.

There was no need for an exact cycle of years since the combination of dates only repeated every 52 years, which was more than the normal life expectancy of the Maya. At the end of every cycle, there were great celebrations, much like those held at the turn of the turn of the millennium.

The long count was used to measure longer periods of time and can be explained in the following manner: a day is equivalent to one "kin"; 20 "kins" formed one "uinal"; 18 "uinals" formed one "tun"; every 20 "tuns" was a "katun"; every 20 "katuns" was one "baktun" and one "baktun" was the equivalent of 144,000 days or a little over 394 years. Every Mayan era was made up of 13 "baktuns" or what is equivalent to 5,125 years, according to our reckoning.

December 21, 2012 is the last day of the thirteenth "baktun" and the last in this era. The majority of the Mayan inscriptions make very little mention of this particular date so technically there is no allusion to the destruction of earth as we know it. However, if past indications are correct, the Maya would have happily received this step into the new era just as they would have at the turn of each "tzolkin" and "haab" cycle. A great celebration where a pillar would be erected and incense would be burned, accompanied by dances, rituals and food. There is also the winter solstice on December 21, a date that is important not only to the Maya but also to many other denominations of faith and cosmic ideology.

One of the spots to visit is the ruins on Isla Mujeres. This is easternmost part of Mexico and the first of the country to receive the first rays of light of the day. The ruins of Tulum or Cozumel are also ideal for those who are visiting Cancun and the Riviera Maya. And of course, there is Chichen Itza which is one of the main options, along with Uxmal, both in the Merida region.

Join in on the ceremony of new fire that ushers in the cycle of the three calendars. Whatever your beliefs may be, come and be a part of a very historic experience.