Apocalypse now, or maybe later: Mayan predictions?

From Washington Times: Apocalypse now, or maybe later: Mayan predictions?
CHARLOTTE, May 26, 2012 — We are only halfway through the year, but there has been much discussion about the Maya Long Count calendar which ends its current 5,125 year period in 2012.

For those who believe in the impending apocalypse, such predictions can have advantages. There’s no need to vote in November. And, since the calendar ends on December 21, why bother with Christmas shopping either.

Interest in the Mundo Maya countries of Mexico, Guatemala and Belize is rapidly increasing. Surges in bookings should last throughout the year as the “big event” draws ever closer, with year-long celebrations ranging from symposiums, concerts, cultural exhibitions, festivals and anything in between.

Most of the talk centers upon the “end of the world” because it’s easy to understand and the media can work that angle to death (Pardon the pun). The truth is that many Maya descendants have no inkling about all the fuss. Some who have thought about it, will not respond with an expected answer. What they will notice however, is more money in their economy thanks to an influx of media and curious visitors.

With many archaeological sites throughout the country, Belize is regarded as the “heartland of the Maya.” Even without the calendar as a catalyst, the ruins are fascinating from both a historical and a cultural perspective. These grand urban centers with their temples, ball courts, shrines and exotic carvings are nestled within dense forests and seemingly inaccessible terrain. Yet, somehow they thrived until the 10th century when the cities were mysteriously abandoned.

While individual Maya sites have many similarities, closer inspection reveals that they each possess their own characteristics. What that means for the traveler is that a visit to a single ruin may provide an overview and flavor of the Maya civilization, but you really need to explore several locations to get a more complete perspective.

If there is only one option, Lamanai in the Orange Walk District of northern Belize is a good choice. Not only is Lamanai one of the largest ceremonial centers in Belize, it was also continuously inhabited longer than most of the others. Best of all, Lamanai features a Maya calendar which rests on the ground near a residential section of the ruins known as the Jaguar Temple.

Tucked within the forest along the shores of the New River Lagoon, one of Lamanai’s unique characteristics is its proximity to water. The most picturesque, and most interesting, way to get there is on the lagoon with a scenic hour-long boat journey from Orange Walk Town.

Elegantly rustic accommodations are available at Lamanai Outpost Lodge situated at the end of the lagoon less than five minutes by boat from the Lamanai site.

Major excavations of the area have been underway for nearly 40 years, but significant numbers of ruins remain to be unearthed. Even so, three of the most impressive temples have been reclaimed, making Lamanai an extremely desirable place for the uninitiated adventurer to quickly obtain solid insights into Maya culture.

Lamanai is one of the few Maya cities where subsequent populations built on top of existing structures rather than destroying them. That presents an archaeological predicament, because it is impossible to reach earlier constructions without destroying what has already been excavated.

At 125-feet, the tallest ruin at Lamanai is the High Temple which is believed to date as early as 100 BC. Hardy visitors who make the challenging climb to the summit above the treetops will be rewarded with a magnificent view.

The Mask Temple is so-named because it is flanked by two 13-foot limestone masks of an early Maya king. The masks depict characteristics the Olmec civilization which thrived from 1,200 BC to about 400 BC and was famous for its artwork, especially “colossal heads.” Two burial tombs discovered within the temple date to the 5th century.

Much of the third major structure at Lamanai, the Temple of the Jaguar, is still under ground due to the accumulation of dirt and jungle. Known for the jaguar heads carved into the front of the temple, the building is also interesting because it faces one of the Maya calendars which have, and will, become the source of much analysis throughout the year.

Here’s the simple solution to cut through all the discussion between now and December. The Maya calendar does, indeed, end on December 21, 2012. But it starts anew on December 22nd, and it’s a sure bet none of us will be around when that one ends 5,000-plus years from now. It’s all just part of a cycle. One cycle ends and a new one begins.

Most important for travelers heading to somewhere in the Mundo Maya in 2012 is that it’s a great adventure. Experience it and have fun. Savor the celebration. And, for those who decide to skip the shopping, there will still be three days left to get it done before Christmas.(http://www.belizetourism.org/)