Mayan culture research expert: The Mayans did not predict the end of the world

Maya Culture Research Expert: The Maya Did Not Predict the End of the World
Source: Southern Metropolis Daily [December 7, 2012, 05:29]

Today is December 7, 2012, just half a month away from the so-called "end of the world." Ipsos Global Public Affairs conducted a recent survey, finding that 10% of people worldwide believe that the Maya calendar forecasts the world will end on December 21, 2012. In China, discussions about the "end of the world" have also recently reached a peak. However, Mexican astronomers say that this truly "misrepresents" the Maya; the doomsday prophecy actually comes from "Americans," and even if there are prophecies, most are modern speculations.

Earlier, at the Xiaoguwei Forum co-hosted by the Guangdong Science Center and Southern Metropolis Daily, Mexican archaeoastronomer Professor Gallinton—one of the people closest to Maya civilization—showed reporters photos of the legendary Maya "Madrid Codex."

Professor Gallinton stated that the Maya calendar lasted for 3,000 years, with two calendar systems. One is the "Haab" or solar calendar we know, with 365 days in a year, 18 months per year, and 20 days per month; the other is the ritual calendar, totaling 260 days. These two calendars coincide every 52 years. Because the calendars coincide every 52 years, this has led to the most fundamental disagreement in Central American studies of Maya civilization: the inconsistency in calculating the Maya calendar. "Based on existing findings, this is just a calendar. Even if there are prophecies, they are mostly modern speculations," some scholars believe. In fact, the Maya did not predict the end of the world but did predict "disasters."

Maya prophecies and historical records indicate that on the day of the world's end, there would be drastic climate change and a natural disaster. However, such doomsday ideas exist in many cultures, not just among the Maya. Anthony Aveni, an expert in Maya culture and an archaeoastronomer at Colgate University in the United States, believes that this idea cannot be treated as evidence, nor can it be seen as a prophecy. Aveni's research shows that the Maya were, in fact, not good at predicting the future. "Their understanding of time was mostly focused on the past, not the future.The more rulers talk about their origins as being ancient, the more it can demonstrate the legitimacy and orthodoxy of their rule." As the 'source' of the prophecy, do people in Central America believe in the Mayan prophecy? Carrington stated that, from a South American perspective, these prophecies actually came from the United States, and countries like Mexico and other South American nations do not really believe in them. "The Mayans did have prophecies, but most are related to natural phenomena such as droughts and floods."

Merchants cash in on the 'doomsday' trend
Tickets for re-screened movies sell like hotcakes, wedding banquets packed, honeymoons booming

Whether ridiculous or sweet, the 'end of the world' indeed made some people in China 'go a little crazy.' In 2009, the United States made a film called '2012,' which told the story of this prophecy. This year, the film has been 'transformed' into 3D and has been 'earning money' solely in mainland China.

The 3D version of the film '2012' triggered a 'doomsday economy' craze, with many online goods branded as 'essentials for the apocalypse' selling well. Yesterday's Baidu Index showed that a product called 'Noah's Ark Ticket' saw a 114.3% increase in transaction index over the past 7 days. Weird products like 'doomsday jeans,' 'doomsday whitening masks,' and 'doomsday Pu'er tea' also became popular on Taobao.

Guangzhou welcomed a 'doomsday marriage boom' this month, with wedding banquets packed and honeymoons booming. Marriage registration appointments at the Civil Affairs Bureau for December 21 were basically 'sold out.' Honeymoon trips increased by nearly 20–30% compared to previous years. A travel agency even launched a special tour called 'Love! Love!—9 Days of Pure Love Travel Through New Zealand's North and South Islands,' where tourists would celebrate '20121221,' declaring their love.

Ridiculous events
Sichuan 'doomsday' rumors trigger citizen rush to buy matches and candles

'After darkness falls on December 21, 2012, the Earth will experience three consecutive days of night.' Recently, this rumor has spread in some parts of Sichuan, causing those who heard it to rush to buy candles and matches. Neighbors reported seeing people at the market on December 4 buying candles and matches in bulk—most bought bundles, some three or four bundles, others more than ten bundles of candles.Shanghai police received 25 reports of 'doomsday' rumors in one day. In Shanghai, the police received reports of 25 incidences of spreading 'doomsday' rumors in just one day. According to the Shanghai Public Security Bureau's command center, from 7:00 on December 5 to 7:00 on December 6, a total of 25 reports were received regarding the spreading of 'doomsday' rumors at residents' doorsteps. Previously, in Nanjing, a woman, believing the 'doomsday' rumor, secretly mortgaged her house worth nearly 3 million yuan without telling her family, planning to donate it all to children who had no access to education.