The End Of The World, or the World As We Know It?

I usually do not pay much attention to claims that the world will end on a certain date but I have to admit that I am more than a little curious about this Friday, the 21st December, when the Mayan Long Count Calendar runs out. Between this date and the 23rd December, time will have reached the end of a cycle of 394 years known as a baktun. This period will mark the ending of the thirteenth baktun and contrary to the expectations of some, I expect that we will be around to see the beginning of the 14th. It will not be the end of the world but a resetting of the calendar as it begins a new baktun, part of a larger cycle [pictun].

There are, however, many who really do believe that an Apocalypse will occur on this day. People all over the planet are making preparations either for termination of life or for survival in a post Armageddon world. All over the world, from China to France, many people are taking this very seriously.  

Those who are not believers are either blissfully unaware or confidently attribute the hysteria to the hype that has been encouraged over time by several publications and movies and those hoping to profit in some way. Another reason why this calendar resetting has been associated with Apocalypse is because it will coincide with a winter solstice where the sun will align with the center of the Milky Way for the first time in 26,000 years. 

Along with the Vatican astronomer, there are many Mayans who do not agree with this interpretation of their calendar. They see the date for what it is - simply a resetting, and maybe also a heralding of a rebirth for humanity rather than Armageddon and annihilation. I am going with rebirth because I am not afraid of death and there is that little matter of the garlic and seed that I have already planted in the ground that demand that there be a next year and the renewal of Spring. 

I must admit though, that of late, every time I am having a glass of my favourite beer, La Fin Du Monde, I smile to myself in appreciation of both the taste and the appropriateness of the name. 

See you on the next side!

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"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare