Mayan Calendar Explained
The principles behind the Mayan calendar are based on two specific calendars: a religious one and a solar, long-count calendar. Each calendar operates independently and for specific reasons. Although it is commonly accredited to the Mayans, the designs of the calendar stem from earlier cultures and mythology.
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History
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The principles of the Mayan calendar came from the earlier civilizations of the Zapotec and Olmec. These principles were also later adopted by the Mixtec and Aztec. Each culture had its own way of interpreting the system.
Time Frame
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The Mayan calendar system was used primarily by the Mayan civilization during the pre-Columbian era. However, modern people in the highlands of Guatemala still use some of its basic principles.
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Considerations
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According to Maya mythology, Itzamna, the sky deity, brought the knowledge of the calendar and writing to the ancestors of the Maya.
Features
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There are 260 days in the religious calendar, making a full cycle. Each year is made of 20 weeks, with 13 days each. These weeks are given specific character images and meanings.
Identification
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According to the solar long-count version, the calendar was divided into a series of measurements. Each day is called a K'in. Twenty K'in are a Winal, 18 Winal are a Tun, 20 Tun are a K'atun and 20 K'atun are a B'ak'tun.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Maya Artifact/Wolfgang Sauber/Creative Commons
