The Trecenas

The Smallest Time Unit in the Mayan Calendars. In Mayan Cosmovision, the number 13 holds great significance. It represents the fundamental cycle within the Mayan sacred calendar, Cholq’ij, which consists of 20 Q’ij (days or essences) and 13 Ton (strengths, numbers, or evolutionary forces that unfold across time and space). Each Q’ij combines with one of the 13 Tons to complete the Cholq’ij cycle. Since 13 × 20 = 260 days, this sacred cycle aligns closely with human gestation, lasting approximately nine Gregorian months—the duration of a full-term pregnancy. A Trecena refers to a 13-day period within this cycle. It functions as a “week” in the Mayan sacred calendar. With 13 weeks of 20 days each, the Cholq’ij spans its complete 260-day cycle.

With love and respect for the Mayan lineages,

Nan Vivian Cruz de Baak