Contrary to popular belief, the Aztecs are an entirely different people from the Mayans, and so are their calendars, though they are equal in splendor and importance in human history. Though different, they share almost the same culture, the same physical characteristics, and built empires of grace and elegance. Notwithstanding, the Aztecs were a different people – though the term “aztec” became an umbrella word for the ethnic groups of Mexico, they have a separate identity, a separate culture, and as things appear, they also have a separate CALENDAR.

The Aztec calendar is not the Mayan calendar, although you might say it is some version of it. It is one of the Mesoamerican calendars, sharing the basic structure of calendars from throughout ancient Mesoamerica. The calendar consisted of a 365-day calendar cycle called xiuhpohualli (year count) and a 260-day ritual cycle called tonalpohualli (day count). These two cycles together formed a 52-year “century,” sometimes called the “calendar round.” The Mayan Calendar also had these characteristics, and even the Mayan Tzolkin is found in the Aztec ritual day cycle.

Where the Aztec differed most significantly from the Maya was in their more primitive number system and in their less precise way of recording dates. For example, the Aztec only recorded an eventful day of the year once, when the same day could occur twice in a year. Additionally, at their 52-year intervals, names of a particular year recur, making it difficult to calculate the length of time between two events. Also, the Aztec people where more concerned of the rituals – the time when plants are planted, or when they are reaped; the time of festivals, the time of sacrifices. The Mayans, however, determined that there was a higher purpose in examining and counting time and creation. This is where the credibility of the Mayan calendar and the sureness of the December 21, 2012 end date are proven.

The Mayan calendar is the more accurate calendar between the two. It was unique and it left us a greater knowledge of tracking the movements of the Moon, Venus, and other heavenly bodies. For the Maya there was a time for everything and everything had its place in time. Using 17 individual calendars, the Mayan Civilization understood the world so much better than the rest of humanity in their golden era.

In light of this new truth, have we any reason to strengthen our belief on a world ending in December 21, 2012? The answer is… No. Just because the accuracy of the Maya December 21 End Date is indisputable, it doesn’t mean that total annihilation will actually take place. The Maya themselves do not consider December 21 as a date of destruction; it simply means a new start – a new beginning, a renewal of the things in the past to make them clean. If December 21 is indeed true – we have no reason to fear the things to come. In fact, we must expect them! How many doomsdays have come and gone in our history, and yet we are still here… The Mayan Calendar, or the Aztec Calendar for that matter, like any other calendar, ends because it is time to go back to the beginning again… But this time, it is a beginning that is new, the new year of all new years for the next calendar round – feel free to view more articles or browse more 2012 resources.