You've heard all the stories, read all the headlines and seen all the news reports: will 21st December 2012 mark the end of the world or the end of an era?

This phenonmenon begins right where the Mayan "Long Count" calendar ends. In fact, the 21st December 2012 indicates the end of an era, having lasted for over 5000 years (began in 3114 BC).

Whilst the western world panics, countries such as Mexico, El Salvador and Guatemala are preparing to celebrate this significant date to commemorate the start of the new Mayan calendar. Firework displays and concerts are expected to take place.

Despite this excitement in South America, on the other side of the globe there has been some concern, as some are convinced that 21/12/12 will be the apocalypse.

Where has this come from? Quite simply, they are referring to a prophecy found in a Mayan monument located in Tortuguero, left by a MAyan ruler. This prophecy was misjudged as it referred to the end of the old Mayan calendar and the beginning of a new one, NOT the end of all time!!!

So dolls, I'm happy to say that it is infact the end of an era, NOT the world! I hope this has inspired you to find out more about this interesting ancient civilisation - the Mayans.