Why do people use “Xmas” instead of “Christmas?” December 1, 2006
Posted by Brent Cunningham in : blog , trackbackPrint This Post | Email to a Friend
I often hear Christians, with the best of intentions, say, “Using ‘Xmas’ is tying to X out ‘Christ’ from Christmas!” However, nothing could be further from the truth. The title “Christ,” or more accurately “Christos,” is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word “Messiah.” And in Greek, the first letter in the word “Christos” is “X”? (pronounced “chi” with a “k” sound). It was in Europe during the 1500s that Christians began to use “X” to refer to “Christ” in the word “Christmas.” Likewise, you may have even seen an ancient Christian symbol of what looks like a capital ”P” overlayed by an “X.” It’s called the Chi Rho, which are the first two Greek letters in the title, “Christos.”
So, rather than being upset when you see “Xmas,” let it all the more remind you of the person who is represented by that “X”—Jesus the Christ. I myself am also reminded of the similar emblem of the cross.
.
.
Loading ...
Comments»
I don’t think people generally know that! I always thought is was a play on words, coming from “criss-cross” hence using the X to abbreviate the Christ- sound in Christmas. Nobody ever says “Exmas.”
Very interesting….thanks!!
Amanda
How funny. Brent, I had asked your wife about this symbol last year when we were using foam stickers in the 2 year old class that looked exactly like the P with the X. She, at the time, didn’t know what it meant and I had asked her to ask you about it. I didnt remember this conversation until reading this blog. I’m so excited to finally know the meaning behind the symbol and that it is indeed related to Christ himself.
I have to admit that I’ve always been one to be annoyed by the use of “X” in place of Christ when saying Christmas and now I see how silly it is. Thanks for the info that I might share w/ other Christians who may feel that it’s a replacement or exclusion. YOu learn something new every day. Awesome. Thanks.
Melody, I think that was my fault. I remember Kristen asking me about that and I told her I’d tell you . . . and I never did! Sorry for the delay in response!!!
Lol, that’s okay. I’m a patient person.
You are correct in what you wrote, with the exception of the letter X. The X is NOT pronounced like a K (I am Greek Orthodox, my husband is a Greek Orthodox priest, so I can say this with some authority.) It is pronounced closer to the letter H in the word “Here”. Otherwise, I enjoyed what you wrote, and I hope you don’t mind my correction.
Teri, thanks for the comment. I realize the English letter “K” isn’t the exact sound of Greek “Chi” (X). But for the English speaker I believe it’s closer than the breathy “H,” no? One of the best authorities on Greek grammar, William Mounce, describes the “X” as sounding like the “ch” in the English word “loch” (with a decided Scottish accent). But, as for Greek 101, it seems to me that the “K” sound is pretty close, yes?
Great blog! I always felt it was an attack on Christianity as well. Nice to know the logic behind it. Very good. Cheers, Anthony