Mayan Calendar 2012; Doomsday Date Sparks End of the World Fear and New Era Celebration

The Mayan calendar ends on Dec. 21 with the completion of an era that lasted around 5,000 years.

While many interpret this as the end of mankind, scholars believe the contrary.

"There's only one [Maya] monument that even has the 2012 date on it," says Maya scholar Ricardo Agurcia, as reported by National Geographic.

The end of the Mayan "Long Count" calendar, which began in 3114 BC, is less than a week away, but with an end comes a new beginning, according to scholars.

"It's about rebirth," Agurcia added, "not death."

Not everyone shares with the idea that Dec. 21 is a day to celebrate, but instead a day to fear.

Hieroglyphs found at an ancient Mayan site in Tortuguero, Mexico allegedly interpret a doomsday prophecy that has sparked global fear for the end.

Some people have gone to great lengths to prepare for the worst that may occur.

At least two men in China are predicting a flood which would end the world. They are preparing for 'the end' by building arks.

"I am afraid that when the end of the world comes, the flood will submerge my house," said 44-year-old Lu Zhenghai about his fear, as reported by the Sacramento Bee. The former soldier spent his entire life savings to build the boat that he hopes will save his family if the world is flooded.

NASA recently released a new documentary that says the doomsday prophesies were started through misunderstanding. The space administration is so sure the world will not end that they say the video posted on YouTube is actually from Dec. 22 titled "The World Didn't End Yesterday."

Whether the end is coming or not, many people will be celebrating. Parties will be held around Mexico and Central America with thousands of locals and tourists observing the historic date.