We found here a most interesting superstition, which we had not met before, but which we heard several times later, in other districts.

We were assured that the earthquake was but one of many signs that the world was coming to an end.

We discovered that thousands of the people expected the ending of the world in 1900, and when we asked why, were reminded that this was the last year of the century.
This is certainly a survival of ancient superstition.

The old Mexicans did not count their years by hundreds or centuries, as we do, but by cycles of 52 years each.

It was believed that the world would come to an end at the close of a cycle, and important ceremonies were conducted to avert such a catastrophe.