Haab

Definition

The Haab is the 365-day solar calendar used by the Maya civilization, consisting of 18 months of 20 days each, followed by a short month of 5 days called 'Wayeb.' This calendar played a vital role in agricultural and ceremonial life, guiding the Maya in their seasonal activities and rituals. The Haab reflects the connection between time, nature, and the cultural practices of the Maya, influencing the layout and organization of their cities and structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Haab consists of 18 months named after various agricultural and ceremonial themes, each containing 20 days, plus an additional month called Wayeb with only 5 days.
2. The month of Wayeb was considered an unlucky time when many rituals were performed to ward off evil spirits before the new year began.
3. Each day in the Haab has a unique name and number, which are significant for scheduling ceremonies, festivals, and agricultural activities.
4. The Haab calendar is closely associated with agricultural cycles, helping the Maya determine when to plant and harvest crops based on seasonal changes.
5. In some instances, the Haab was used alongside the Tzolk'in calendar to create a 52-year Calendar Round that governed social and religious life.

Review Questions

• How does the Haab calendar reflect the agricultural practices and seasonal rituals of the Maya civilization?
  • The Haab calendar is intricately tied to the agricultural cycle of the Maya, consisting of 18 months that correspond to various planting and harvesting periods. Each month features specific rituals aimed at ensuring bountiful crops. The five-day month of Wayeb serves as a time for cleansing and preparation before the new year's agricultural activities commence. By using the Haab to track seasons, the Maya were able to synchronize their farming practices with nature's rhythms.
• Compare and contrast the Haab and Tzolk'in calendars in terms of their functions within Maya society.
  • The Haab calendar primarily tracks solar years with its 365 days linked to agricultural seasons, while the Tzolk'in focuses on ritual time with its 260 days representing spiritual significance. The Haab was essential for scheduling farming activities, whereas the Tzolk'in guided religious ceremonies. Together, they formed a complete calendrical system that shaped everyday life, ensuring both agricultural productivity and spiritual observance were maintained harmoniously in Maya culture.
• Evaluate how the use of the Haab calendar influenced urban planning and architectural design in ancient Maya cities.
  • The Haab calendar significantly impacted urban planning and architectural design as it dictated when major religious festivals and agricultural events occurred. This influence is evident in city layouts where temples and ceremonial centers align with important dates on the Haab. Structures were often built to facilitate gatherings during these times, showcasing the interconnection between timekeeping and community organization. By reflecting their calendrical practices in their cities, the Maya demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of time as it relates to their cultural identity.

Related terms

Tzolk'in: The Tzolk'in is the 260-day ritual calendar of the Maya, consisting of 13 cycles of 20 named days. It is often used in conjunction with the Haab for scheduling religious events and agricultural activities.

Long Count: The Long Count is a historical calendar system used by the Maya to track longer periods of time, often spanning centuries. It allows for the recording of significant historical dates and events.

Mayan Hieroglyphs: A system of writing used by the Maya, composed of logograms and syllabic symbols. Hieroglyphs were used to record dates, events, and important cultural narratives, often related to the Haab and Tzolk'in calendars.