Difference between Mayan Calendar and Gregorian calendar

One of the biggest differences between the Mayan and Gregorian calendars is that the latter is widely accepted worldwide. It is popular for its accuracy and has been followed for centuries. On the other hand, the Mayan calendar is not that important now, especially because it doesn’t show any dates after December 2012.

The Mayan calendar was actually formed through a system of three different calendars known as the Long Count, Haab and Tzolkin. All these had different features and Haab was the one, which showed 365 days in a year. While the Tzolkin had 260 days, the Long Count was only used to calculate astronomical periods.

Compared to that, the Gregorian calendar has 365 days in a normal year whereas the year divisible by four is known as a leap year and consists of 366 days.

Instructions

  • 1

    Mayan calendar

    This calendar was formed by the ancient Mayan civilization. At that time, some of the other civilizations such as Toltec and Aztec had formed their own calendars but they had plenty of flaws in them. Therefore, a change was needed and the Mayans were the ones who pointed that out.

    They were known for their mathematical skills, so they figured out the flaws in the other calendars and modified them to form their own version. Most people were unaware of the Mayan calendar until recent times. According to this calendar, the world would end in December 2012.

    Although there were no other signs suggesting that this would happen, yet numerous people around the people believed the end of the world was near. However, nothing special happened in the last month of 2012 and the interpretation of this calendar is now being called in to question.

    Image Courtesy: jameswatt.me

  • 2

    Gregorian calendar

    Some of you might not be aware of the original name but the Gregorian calendar is the one widely followed by people all over the world. Most don’t know the history of this calendar but it is the one hanging in their offices, buildings and houses.

    This calendar was introduced to the world towards the end of the 16th century by Gregory XIII, who was the Pope from 1572 to 1585. Therefore, the calendar was named after him and it became famous.

    Prior to that, people followed the Julian calendar but there were a lot of confusion because of it and the western world wanted a change. Therefore, Gregory XIII worked out the solutions in the old calendar and developed a new one. The Gregorian calendar is famously known as the solar calendar, because the dates and time change according to the position of the sun.

    Image Courtesy: absonh.net

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