December 21st is fast approaching, and "doomsday preppers" are waiting with bated breath for the end of the world, but several scholars argue that these apocalyptic prophecies result from a fundamental misunderstanding of Mayan culture.
Pegasus News explains that the Mayan calendar, which began in 3114 BC, is composed of 13 baktuns, each made up of 400 years.
In an interview with USA Today, Florida Museum of Natural History curator says, "We have no record or knowledge that [the Maya] would think the would come to an end." Rather, December 21st simply indicates that we will reach the end of a cycle, which prompts the calendar to restart once more.
Sandra Noble, the executive director of the Foundation for the Advancement of Mesoamerican Studies, notes that "For the ancient Maya, it was a huge celebration to make it to the end of a whole cycle."
Southern Methodist University Professor Michael Callaghan attributes our affinity for the apocalypse to the entertainment we draw out of it. "As humans we like to be fearful. We jump out of planes, go on roller coasters, and watch scary movies. Being afraid is just something we enjoy."
NASA's Senior Scientist David Morrison adds to the conversation in an attempt to dispel anxiety about the impending "doomsday" date, stating: "On the 21st, the date of the winter solstice, a calendar cycle called the 13th b'ak'tun comes to an end. Although Maya scholars agree that the ancient Maya would not have seen this day as apocalyptic, rumors have spread that a cosmic event may end life on Earth on that day."
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