As ‘Mayan Apocalypse’ Date Nears, Panic Spreads

As the Mayan Apocalypse date nears, panic is spreading as to what will happen on December 21. Millions of Americans believe that the world will end, while others believe that the date will mark a time of change to a new age.

December 21 marks both the Winter Solstice and the conclusion of the 5,125-year “Long Count” Mayan calendar, reports The Telegraph.

With the conclusion of the calendar, millions believe that the world will also end — or there will at least be some massive cataclysmic event that requires candles and other essentials.

While the panic over the nearing Mayan Apocalypse has caused several in China and Russia to rush for supplies, the supposed impending catastrophe has caused an explosion in survival shelter sales in America, along with a mass exodus to a mountain in France.

While the precise circumstance that will lead to Armageddon remains uncertain there are theories of anything from a celestial collision between Earth and an unseen planet or asteroid (some believe it will be Nibiru, or Planet X), or even a massive solar storm, astronomers have done their best to soothe fears.

Despite the attempts by astronomers and governments to dissuade the public’s assumption that the Mayan Apocalypse will happen, millions still think that something will happen on December 21. Janet Shan with The Hinterland Gazette is more skeptical. Shan writes:

“Doomsdayers are predicting a cataclysmic end of the Earth. Well, no use shopping until you drop for Christmas, right? Sorry, I scarcely believe this will be the end of the world. Just saying.”

While the rest of the world panics about the potential for a Mayan Apocalypse, residents in Mexico, where the ancient Mayan civilization lived, have taken the time as an opportunity for making money. The country has hundreds of Maya-themed events this year and tourism is said to have doubled in 2012, especially in the days left.

Do you think that the Mayan Apocalypse will happen on December 21?