How do I use my Mayan Calendar and what does it mean?
My dad bought a Mayan Calendar from Mexico many years ago. I am now really interested in it especially because of the Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls and because of the 2012 “doomsday”.
But I have no clue how to use it. Is it a monthly or yearly calendar? And what do all those strange animals and symbols on it mean?
It is rare and worth a lot of money?
The one I have looks exactly like this: http://tnscenter.newseminary.org/image/mayan_Calendar3472.gif
Answer by Linda_Doxiegal
Sorry – purely decorative and probably made in the style of the Mayan.
Here’s a nice YouTube that is rather a simple introduction.
This is a pretty good intro:
http://www.omniglot.com/writing/mayan.htm
Also – there is a book called Breaking the Maya Code, by Micheal D. Coe.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
Um, that is the Aztec calendar, not the Mayan one.
The Mayan one is similar in composition, but different in style.
It is a monthly calendar and a yearly one as well, depending on which ring you are counting.
I can’t really tell you how to ‘read’ it. You need to find out today’s date on it, and simply start keeping track.
I have a shirt with all the months on it for the Mayan calendar, but it doesn’t tell the equivalent dates on the Gregorian (our) calendar. Sorry I can’t help.
Chance are your calendar is not especially rare or valuable. It is cool looking however.
The Mayans and the Aztecs were different cultures, something the movies didn’t point out. Both were based on the Toltec and Olmec societies. Neither had much to do with the Incas in South America (although there is some evidence of trade).
Do a search on Aztec calendars. It might help.
peace