Map a birth date to one of thirteen Mayan day signs (nawal) using fixed calendar date ranges spread across the year — structured like the Western zodiac but with thirteen signs instead of twelve (Monkey, Hawk, Jaguar, Dog, Snake, Hare, Turtle, Bat, Scorpion, Deer, Owl, Peacock, Lizard). This is a popular, simplified interpretation, not an authentic calculation of the 260-day Tzolk'in ritual calendar, which actually requires a historical reference epoch and a running day count.
How it works
The month and day of the birth date are checked against thirteen fixed ranges of roughly 20 days spread across the calendar year (for example January 11–February 7 → Monkey, February 8–March 8 → Hawk, …, December 14–January 10 → Lizard). Each range maps to exactly one nawal sign.
When to use it
- Looking up a Mayan-inspired day sign alongside the Western and Chinese zodiac for entertainment
- Comparing how the same birth date renders across three different symbolic systems
- Building sample content for horoscope or cultural-education pages
Limitations
The authentic Tzolk'in calendar counts 260 days continuously from a historical reference point and produces both a number (1–13) and a sign (1 of 20)—it cannot be reduced to a single calendar day of the year. This tool's mapping is a widely used simplified approximation with thirteen signs, provided for entertainment only, not an authentic Mayan calendar calculation.
Example
Birth date 1990-07-15 falls in the June 29–July 26 range and yields sign Turtle. Date 2001-01-05 falls in the December 14–January 10 range and yields Lizard.