We who post at ABC Wednesday are lovers of the alphabet, and we are sometimes fascinated by the flexibility of the letter X. It can be used to represent the sacred, the profane (X-rated), and the unknown (X-ray).
How many of you have ever wondered why "XMAS" is used as a short form for the word ''CHRISTMAS"? How many of you really know the reason. Have you ever heard the saying "Jesus is the reason for the season"?
The history of the word "Xmas" is actually quite respectable and predates by centuries its use in gaudy advertisements. X is the Greek letter "chi", the first letter in the word Χριστός. And here's the kicker - Χριστός means "Christ." Using the letter X to represent Christ, known as a "christogram," has been an accepted representation of Christ for hundreds of years.
Therefore, in order to fulfill my promise of a short post this week, may I wish you all MERRY XMAS!
26 comments:
Thank you and heres Wishing you and yours a Merry Xmas too!!
Merry Xmas, Leslie. xx woof!
yes, merry Xmas!
Have a joyous, meaningful holiday!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas too.
I'm pleased to know that my slovenly shorthand has such a respectable history!
That was interesting!
Thank you and wish you and yours a Merry Xmas too!!
Merry Christmas and did u get lots of snow?
Merry Xmas!
~ X is for...
Merry Xmas to you too.
'cristogram'-now that 's a new word for me and I must say, I rather like it!
Hope you had a very Merry Christmas!
And hope you had a wonderful holiday ~ very creative post for X ^_^
Happy Holidays ^_^
(A Creative Harbor aka artmusedog and Carol ^_^)
when I taught 1st grade, my students and I made ABC Books of Christmas. 'X' would read "X" is for Christ. So I have known that fact for quite a while. However,I thank you for sharing this. Many think it's unChristian to write it that way.
Great post for X. I hope you and your family had a great Christmas and a happy New Year ahead. Cheers, Carver
I hope your Xmas was a wonderful one for you! Visiting from ABC...a little late this week.
Laurie
Hope you had a good Xmas!
eXpedition
Happy Holidays!
Rose, ABC Wednesday Team
I love your card! I hope Christmas was wonderful for you and I hope the new year brings lots of bright things!
Hi Leslie,
I do know it's okay to write XMAS.
Some things from my youth are hard to change.
My folks never allowed it and believe it or not I still can feel guilty doing it after all these years.
It's a great explanation but it's just my quirk.
Wonderful lesson on the X.
Thanks Leslie. I didn't know that, and always thought that it was wrong to use 'Xmas' instead of 'Christmas' I have called here after reading your comment on Sue's blog. Hi to you! - Dave
an eXcellent eXplanation of the origin of Xmas
This year the letter X really came on purpose for X-mas, lol !
A belated Merry Christmas and an early Happy New Year. Hope all your wishes for 2013 come true. - Margy
Great explanation. Like photowannabe I had my struggle with Xmas, but words are constantly changing.
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas week!
I hope you had a wonderful Xmas Leslie, and I wish you every happiness for the New Year. x
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