Sacred Round

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Before the invention of printing, information was conveyed through various means, often relying on visual and symbolic elements to aid in communication. The Sacred Round was a fundamental component of the Mayan calendar system. It had both religious and practical significance, serving as a guide for the scheduling of ceremonies and rituals while also reflecting the Mayans' deep cultural and spiritual connection to time and the cosmos. The understanding and practice of the Sacred Round in the Mayan culture before the invention of printing involved a combination of oral tradition, visual representation through hieroglyphs and codices, symbolism, and adaptation to local variations. It was a holistic approach to conveying complex spiritual information that relied on both verbal and visual means of communication that would eventually be passed down through generations, making effective use of the available media and technology of the time. 

For graphic designers, understanding the making of Mayan calendars not only emphasizes the designer's cultural awareness but also teaches them valuable lessons in the importance of communication during collaboration. In essence, we can learn from the Mayan techniques of passing down information orally to ensure accuracy and reliability within our own designs. 

Maya version of the 120-day agricultural almanac
Maya version of the 120-day agricultural almanac