video transcript

Peruvian shamans perform an ancient ritual to ward off the impending 'end of days', which some fear may happen on Friday. According to the Mayan calendar, December 21 2012 marks the end of an age- which some believe means the end of the world. This shaman says they have come to calm the sea and ensure that nothing happens. In Honduras, a spiritual leader performs a Mayan unification ceremony at the archaeological site of Copan. The Mayan civilization extended from modern day Honduras to central Mexico, leaving behind dozens of pyramids and various indigenous Mayan groups who continue to thrive. In Guatemala, Mayan groups perform a ritual to usher in the new era. According to Maya tradition, the calendar is divided into roughly 394 year periods called Baktuns. The end of a Baktun is an occasion for hope. Mayans held the number 13 sacred and the 13th Baktun ends on the 21st of December.