Why does the X stand for christ? (as in xmas and xtine)?

Question

actually, in xtine it stand for chris.

Answer 1

It isn't a Latin X. The eastern half of the Roman Empire retained its Greek culture, for the most part. It's a Greek letter, called chi. Now try this: Chi, rho, iota, does this suggest the beginning of a name? Guess the next letter. (Hint: Ssss.........)
And while we're at it, it ain't PX--that's a post exchange. Not only do you have it wrong, you also have it backwards. Look at a Greek alphabet.

Answer 2

The X Xmas is actually a cross symbol for christ who died on the cross, so I don't know why some christians get upset about using Xmas instead of Christmas. It's faster to write, too. I've never seen X used in xtine, so I don't know what that is about.

added: I just read Fazizzle's answer from wikipedia which is very good and makes sense

Answer 3

It depressing that with this question appears on YA a couple of times a day, and yet only 3 people (so far) have gotten it correct.

Yes, X is for "Chi"--the first letter of Christ's name in Greek and an accepted symbol for Christ for hundreds of years.

What's even more depressing is that all of the people who get so uptight about the use of X (and who are likely therefore Christian) are the ones who got it completely wrong.

What does that say about the modern Christian's knowledge about the history of their own faith?

Answer 4

Χριστος, which is Greek for Christ. -mas is Anglo-Saxon for celebration. Some see the term X-mas as demeaning to Christ and believe it is to take, "Christ out of Christmas". Others see it as a tribute to Christ and many of his early Apostles who were martyred (St. Andrew was said to be crucified on an X-shaped cross). Some advertising signs use the term X-mas to help save space, but it means, "Christmas".

Answer 5

Just to add to the above the x is most definately not the cross .In the time of Christ in that part of the world.Its a known fact that they nailed people to a stake (a single piece of wood ) not a cross . not that it makes much difference . and i can`t see why xmas should upset anyone .Every one must realise that the names used in the bible are only the English version of the original names.

Answer 6

I agree with above. Most Christians do not understand about X-mas. While it was an attempt to secularize Christmas, it was not successful because x is chi in the Greek alphabet, and was used to refer to Christ.

Answer 7

It is not so much an "X" but more a cross symbolising that Christ died on the cross but Xmas for instance is not a term the traditional Church of England parishioners would want to use as it shortens the word Christ and that would be frowned upon obviously in Christmas it means Christ's Birthday not cross birthday!

Answer 8

Some people were just too lazy to write out the entire word.
Some took to the X as a form of omitting Christ from Christmas, as they do not believe in Christ as being the Son of God, or our Lord and Savior.
X is also to some, the form of the cross, simply turned onto is side - OR - the rays of light that are being shown from the center of the cross, into all directions of the universe: ie: east - south - west - north.

Answer 9

when Christ was crucified, the Romans used an x shaped cross instead of the t shaped one that is popular, I think it is funny the in taking Christ out of Christmas they use the x which should be the symbol of the cross. where they are trying to x Christ out of Christmas they are really using the symbol of his crucifixion.

Answer 10

1) the "X" sound is similar to "Chirst" as it is pronounced in Christmas.
2) The conjoined "P" "X" for Christians symbolizes the fish (Pez) and Cross symbols of christianity. My religion teacher sometimes wrote Pxians on the board as an abbreviation.
3) My religions teachers felt it was however sacreligious to abbreviate Christmas, "X-mas", taking the Christ out of Christmas.

I just checked on Wikipedia and they concur.