The Aztec Calendar

The Aztec calendar, also known as the “Sun Stone,” was created around the 15th century. It was a circular stone that was about 12 feet in diameter and weighed over 24 tons. The calendar was designed to track the movements of the sun, moon, and stars. It consists of two separate calendars: the xiuhpohualli, which is a 365-day solar calendar, and the tonalpohualli, which is a 260-day ritual calendar.

The xiuhpohualli is divided into 18 months, each with 20 days. The last five days of the year are considered unlucky and are known as nemontemi. The tonalpohualli is divided into 20 periods, each with 13 days. Each of the 20 periods is associated with a different deity.

Question: How did the Aztecs use the calendar?

The Aztecs used the calendar to keep track of religious ceremonies, agricultural cycles, and to predict future events. They believed that the calendar could help them determine the best time for planting crops, conducting ceremonies, and going to war.

Question: What happened to the Aztec calendar after the Spanish conquest?

After the Spanish conquest, the Aztec calendar was destroyed. Many of the Aztec codices, or books, were burned by the Spanish because they contained religious and cultural information that the Spanish considered to be pagan.

The Mayan Calendar

The Mayan calendar is a system of calendars used by the Mayan civilization. It consists of several calendars, including the tzolk’in, the haab’, and the long count. The tzolk’in is a 260-day cycle that was used for divination and religious ceremonies. The haab’ is a 365-day solar calendar that was used for agricultural purposes. The long count is a linear calendar that counts the number of days from a fixed starting point.

The Mayans believed that time was cyclical and that each cycle had a specific purpose. They used the calendar to track the movements of celestial bodies and to predict future events.

Question: How did the Mayans use the calendar?

The Mayans used the calendar to keep track of religious ceremonies, agricultural cycles, and to predict future events. They believed that the calendar could help them determine the best time for planting crops, conducting ceremonies, and going to war.

Question: What is the significance of the end of the Mayan calendar in 2024?

The end of the Mayan calendar in 2024 is significant because it marks the end of a 5,125-year cycle known as the “Long Count.” Some people believe that the end of the Long Count signifies the end of the world, while others believe that it marks the beginning of a new era of spiritual awakening.

Differences Between the Aztec and Mayan Calendar

While the Aztec and Mayan calendars have some similarities, such as the use of multiple calendars and the belief in cyclical time, there are also some significant differences. One of the main differences is that the Aztec calendar was based on a 365-day solar cycle, while the Mayan calendar was based on a 260-day ritual cycle. Additionally, the Aztec calendar was destroyed after the Spanish conquest, while the Mayan calendar has survived to the present day.

Another difference is that the Aztec calendar was circular, while the Mayan calendar was linear. The Aztec calendar was also more closely tied to religious and cultural practices, while the Mayan calendar was more closely tied to agricultural practices.

Question: Which calendar is more accurate?

Both the Aztec and Mayan calendars were highly accurate for their respective purposes. However, it is difficult to compare the two calendars directly because they were based on different cycles and served different functions.

Question: What can we learn from the Aztec and Mayan calendars?

The Aztec and Mayan calendars provide insight into the ways that ancient civilizations understood time and the cosmos. They also demonstrate the ways that religion, agriculture, and warfare were intertwined in ancient societies. By studying these calendars, we can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and spiritual beliefs of these civilizations.

Conclusion

While the Aztec and Mayan calendars share some similarities, such as the belief in cyclical time and the use of multiple calendars, there are also significant differences between the two. The Aztec calendar was based on a 365-day solar cycle and was destroyed after the Spanish conquest, while the Mayan calendar was based on a 260-day ritual cycle and has survived to the present day. Both calendars provide valuable insights into the cultural and spiritual beliefs of ancient civilizations and continue to fascinate scholars and enthusiasts today.