Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the Mayan calendar and our website.
What is the Mayan calendar?
The Mayan calendar is actually a system of several interconnected calendars used by the ancient Maya civilization. The main components include the Tzolk'in (260-day sacred calendar), the Haab' (365-day civil calendar), and the Long Count calendar for recording historical dates. Learn more on our About page.
Did the Mayan calendar predict the end of the world in 2012?
No. The year 2012 marked the end of a 13th b'ak'tun cycle in the Long Count calendar, which was simply the completion of a major cycle, not a prediction of apocalypse. The Maya themselves never predicted the end of the world. The calendar continues beyond 2012 just as our calendar continues after December 31st each year.
How accurate is the Mayan calendar?
The Mayan calendar is remarkably accurate. The Haab' approximates the solar year with great precision, and Maya astronomers were able to calculate planetary cycles and eclipses with impressive accuracy without modern instruments. Their mathematical and astronomical knowledge was among the most advanced in the ancient world.
Is the Mayan calendar still used today?
Yes, many Maya communities in Guatemala, Belize, Mexico, and Honduras continue to use traditional calendar systems for religious ceremonies, agricultural planning, and cultural events. The calendar remains an important part of Maya cultural identity and spiritual practices.
What is a Calendar Round?
The Calendar Round is a 52-year cycle created by the combination of the 260-day Tzolk'in and the 365-day Haab' calendars. After 52 years, the same combination of Tzolk'in and Haab' dates repeats. This cycle was extremely significant in Mayan culture and marked important periods in individual and communal life.
How do I read Mayan calendar dates?
Mayan dates are typically written in multiple parts. A full date might include the Long Count position, the Tzolk'in date (combining a number 1-13 with one of 20 day names), and the Haab' date (combining a number 0-19 with one of 18 month names, plus the 5-day Wayeb' period). This provides multiple layers of temporal information.
What are the Mayan day names?
The 20 day names of the Tzolk'in are: Imix, Ik, Akbal, Kan, Chicchan, Cimi, Manik, Lamat, Muluc, Oc, Chuen, Eb, Ben, Ix, Men, Cib, Caban, Etznab, Cauac, and Ahau. Each name has specific meanings and associations with natural forces, animals, or spiritual concepts.
Can I use this calendar for daily planning?
Absolutely! Our calendar tool allows you to view dates, plan events, and track time while learning about the Mayan calendar system. You can use it alongside the Gregorian calendar to gain appreciation for this ancient timekeeping method while managing your modern schedule.
Is this website free to use?
Yes, our Mayan calendar tool is completely free to use. We aim to make this ancient knowledge accessible to everyone interested in learning about Mayan culture and timekeeping.
How can I learn more about Maya civilization?
We recommend visiting museums with Mesoamerican collections, reading books by Maya scholars, and exploring archaeological sites in Central America. Many indigenous Maya communities also offer cultural programs and educational opportunities to learn about traditional practices and beliefs that continue to this day.
What is the difference between the Gregorian and Mayan calendars?
The Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar with 365 days (366 in leap years) divided into 12 months. The Mayan system includes multiple calendars: the Tzolk'in (260 days for sacred purposes), the Haab' (365 days for civil use), and the Long Count for recording historical dates. The Maya used these calendars simultaneously, while we primarily use just the Gregorian calendar.
What are the 18 months of the Haab' calendar?
The Haab' consists of 18 months of 20 days each: Pop, Wo, Sip, Sotz', Tzec, Xul, Yaxkin, Mol, Ch'en, Yax, Sac, Ceh, Mac, Kankin, Muan, Pax, Kayab, and Cumku. These are followed by the 5-day period called Wayeb', which was considered unlucky and a time of transition between years.
Why is the Tzolk'in 260 days long?
The 260-day cycle of the Tzolk'in is believed to relate to several factors: the human gestation period (approximately 9 months), agricultural cycles in the Maya region, and astronomical observations. Some scholars suggest it may also relate to the interval between zenith passages of the sun in certain Maya regions. The exact origin remains debated among researchers.
What is the significance of the number 13 in Mayan culture?
The number 13 held great significance in Mayan cosmology and appears throughout their calendar system. The Tzolk'in uses 13 numbers paired with 20 day names. The Maya believed in 13 levels of heaven, and the number appears in their mythology, architecture, and religious practices. It was considered a sacred and powerful number.
How did the Maya calculate such precise astronomical events?
Maya astronomers used careful naked-eye observations over generations, recorded on codices and monuments. They built observatories, tracked celestial bodies through architectural alignments, and developed sophisticated mathematical systems including the concept of zero. Their accumulated knowledge allowed them to predict eclipses, planetary movements, and seasonal changes with remarkable accuracy.
What is a b'ak'tun in the Long Count calendar?
A b'ak'tun is the largest commonly used unit in the Long Count calendar, consisting of 144,000 days (approximately 394 years). The Long Count tracks days from a mythological creation date (usually correlated to August 11, 3114 BCE in the Gregorian calendar). The famous 2012 date marked the completion of the 13th b'ak'tun and the beginning of the 14th.
Were all Mayan city-states using the same calendar?
Yes, the basic calendar systems (Tzolk'in, Haab', and Long Count) were used throughout the Maya region, though there were minor regional variations in how dates were calculated or recorded. Different city-states might emphasize certain ceremonies or dates differently, but the fundamental structure remained consistent across Mayan civilization.
Can I convert today's date to a Mayan calendar date?
Yes! Any Gregorian date can be converted to its corresponding Mayan calendar dates (Long Count, Tzolk'in, and Haab'). Various tools and formulas exist for these conversions. Each day has a unique position in each of the Mayan calendar systems, providing rich layers of temporal and spiritual meaning.
What role did calendar priests play in Maya society?
Calendar priests, or daykeepers, held important positions in Maya society. They were responsible for maintaining calendar counts, determining auspicious dates for ceremonies and activities, interpreting the spiritual significance of days, and advising rulers on timing for important decisions. Many contemporary Maya communities still have daykeepers who maintain these traditions.
Did the Maya have a concept of weeks like we do?
No, the Maya did not divide time into seven-day weeks as we do. Instead, they worked with various cycles including the 13-day trecena (a period of 13 days in the Tzolk'in), 20-day months in the Haab', and the overall 260-day and 365-day cycles. These cycles served different purposes in their timekeeping and ceremonial practices.
What happens when I click on a date in the calendar?
Currently, clicking on a date allows you to select it and view basic information. The orange dots below dates indicate scheduled events or significant Mayan calendar days. Future updates may include detailed event information, Mayan date conversions, and the ability to add your own events and notes.