Is the World Really Going to End in 2012?

A lot of hubbub has been going around lately about the world ending in 2012. Perhaps this is because it's already 2011, but many are wondering who decided the world is ending and what proof is there? Just googling about 2012 leads you to many different websites that range in topic from conspiracy theories to hardcore factual evidence (either for or against) and to supposed ancient prophecies. So, what is it? Is the world really going to end in 2012?

The Mayans "predicted" it, so it must be true-it's on their calendar, so it must be true, right?

Well, yes-and no. The Mayans actually had multiple calendars. In fact, their standard calendar was, are you ready for this?: 365 days. They also had a calendar that was 52 years long known as 'Calendar Round.'

Of course, their 'Long Count' calendar is what started this whole mess with "end of the world" nonsense. The Mayan Long Count calendar has 5,126 years and December 21st, 2012 (aka: winter solstice,) is only the ending of the first cycle of the calendar. The first cycle! In other words: there's more.

The Mayans never said anything along the lines of "the world will end on this day in the future in 2012." In fact, scholars and Mayan experts alike will tell that many of the Mayan hieroglyphics contain dates that are well into the future, beyond the supposed infamous end date of 2012.

More, you say? But what about the asteroids, the volcanos, the earthquakes and the tsunamis that are going to destroy the world?!

Here's a reality check: all of those events can happen anywhere at any time, despite any "predictions" that are thought to have been made by the Mayans and their fancy calendars.

It should also be noted that the Mayans weren't the first ones or the only ones with a calendar. There are hundreds of civilizations that have had their own systems and methods for keeping track of time. The Mayan calendar is no more significant than the Gregorian calendar that is used today. A calendar is merely a method for keeping track of time, period.

What, you mean the Mayans didn't say the world was going to end? And, there are dates even further into their calendar beyond 2012?

Yup. The Mayans never predicted the end of the world, it just so happens that the first cycle of their Long Count calendar ends. The "end of the world" theory was likely made up by people looking to profit off the fear of others.

In fact, one of the main reasons why people are concerned about the supposed prophecy is due to the mass marketing of various conspiracy theories, books and movies by those trying to turn a few bucks.

So sit back, relax and enjoy the world. It's not going to end any time soon, at least, not because of a non-existent Mayan prediction.

---

Additional Sources:

Griffith Observatory: The Truth about 2012 (The End is NOT Near)

Discovery News: Mayan Calendar 'Doomsday' Might Be Wrong