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Tzolk'in

Tzolk'in

1 9.9
A 260-day sacred calendar used by the ancient Maya people to plan religious ceremonies
  • noun
  • /ˈzoʊl.kɪn/
  • Specialized
: Tzolk'in
  • The ancient Maya believed that the Tzolk'in, a 260-day sacred calendar, governed their religious ceremonies.

Examples

  • The two main calendars were a ceremonial calendar (the Tzolk'in), a 260-day calendar of 13 numbers and 20 day names, and the vague calendar (the Haab), of 365 days.

    Blog text (27)
  • The 260-day Tzolk'in, or sacred calendar, is the oldest calendar cycle known in Mesoamerica, dating back to at least 600 B.C.E.

    Academic text (2004)
  • The Haab was in use by at least 100 B.C.E. and was created to be used in conjunction with the Tzolk'in.

    Academic text (2004)
  • As a testimony to the Tzolk'in's centrality to Maya culture, it is still observed today among traditional Maya groups.

    Academic text (2004)
  • In its completed form, the Maya calendar had four interlocking cycles: the Tzolk'in, the Haab, the "Long Count," and the lunar series.

    Academic text (2004)
  • DIAGRAM: The Maya calendar had four interlocking cycles: the Tzolk'in, the Haab, the "Long Count," and the lunar series.

    Academic text (2004)
  • Many traditional Maya communities still follow the Tzolk'in for planning important events and rituals.

  • The Tzolk'in consists of 13 numbers and 20 named days, forming a unique cycle used for spiritual purposes.

Surface Forms

Tzolk'in singular
Tzolkins plural
Tzolk'in plural

Etymology

The word Tzolk'in comes from a Maya language and is made of two parts, tzol and k'in, which mean 'count' and 'day'. So the Tzolk'in is literally a 'count of days', which helps explain why it is the sacred 260-day calendar the Maya used for ceremonies.