A seasonal and interesting etymology question: was the X a "commercializing" thing to make Christmas more edible for non-Christians? Is the X really a cross?
Neither, in fact; it appears that the X is really the first letter of the word Xtos (ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ), which in Greek is the word for Christ.
XmasSYLLABICATION: X·mas
PRONUNCIATION: krsms, ksms
NOUN: Christmas.
ETYMOLOGY: From X, the Greek letter chi, first letter of Greek Khrstos, Christ. See Christ.
USAGE NOTE: Xmas has been used for hundreds of years in religious writing, where the X represents a Greek chi, the first letter of , “Christ.” In this use it is parallel to other forms like Xtian, “Christian.” But people unaware of the Greek origin of this X often mistakenly interpret Xmas as an informal shortening pronounced (ksms). Many therefore frown upon the term Xmas because it seems to them a commercial convenience that omits Christ from Christmas.
In the same vein, Christina Aguilera occasionally has worn leather chaps with "XTina" appliqued on them. She should have left the "t" out. Just thought I would share :)
Posted by: valerief on December 16, 2004 07:28 PMThe Norwegian "krossmesse" (Crossmass) is twice a year: May 3rd and Spetember 14th. (Source: http://home.online.no/~sulvund/Genealogy_Voss/Ordliste.htm)
Posted by: on December 17, 2004 08:18 AMThe Norwegian "krossmesse" (Crossmass) is twice a year: May 3rd and September 14th. (Source: http://home.online.no/~sulvund/Genealogy_Voss/Ordliste.htm)
Posted by: on December 17, 2004 08:19 AMDuring religion classes in school, the Jesuit priests who taught us always used Xt to refer to Christ and all derivatives thereof.
Posted by: Philip Tellis on December 17, 2004 11:40 PM|
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