Wasn't the X the symbol that early Christians used to identify themselves?
2006-12-07 03:21:42 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Hello sweet Betteriage.. :)
I do not take it as an insult..at all.. :)
The word Xmas is sometimes used instead of Christmas. This tradition began in the early Christian church. Greek, X is the first letter of Christ's name. It was frequently used as a holy symbol.
Christmas is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. No one knows the exact date of Christ' s birth, but most Christians observe Christmas on Dec. 25. On this day, many go to church, where they take part in special religious services. During the Christmas season, they also exchange gifts and decorate their homes with holly, mistletoe, and Christmas trees.
In Jesus Most Precious Name..
With Love..In Christ.. :)
2006-12-07 03:27:25 · answer #1 · answered by EyeLovesJesus 6 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Yes, it was. It is in fact part of the monogram of Christ (the symbol that looks like a tall, narrow 'P' with the 'x' at the base). In this usage, it is not the letter we call 'ehks', it is the greek letter 'Chi' (as in 'kay'ak.), which was the first sounded letter of the greek word for Christos (it was preceeded by a silent letter).
I find it absolutely hilarious that most Christians don't realize that XMas was in fact first used by Christians and was later adopted by non-Christians, not the other way around.
XMas is no more insulting than USA instead of United States of America.
2006-12-07 03:26:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Actually, it was a fish that was used to identify ones self.
Roughly equivalent to the Greek "ictus," during times of church persecution, Christians would drag their foot in an arch in the dirt. The person they were speaking with would do the same, thereby "completing" the fish symbol.
"Xmas" was begun by people too lazy, or unwilling to write out "Christ," one of Jesus' titles.
2006-12-07 03:34:28 · answer #3 · answered by Bob L 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
I always think of the X in "Xmas" as a cross.
Considering that Christmas is not a part of Christianity, and Christians are not instructed to celebrate the birth of Jesus, I don't understand the objection to the X.
2006-12-07 03:25:26 · answer #4 · answered by Sweetchild Danielle 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
This should be under, "Are you tired of people being offended?" And yes, I most certainly am....whatever happened to freedom of choice and freedom of speech? We're getting to the point in society where, it doesn't matter what we say, it's going to offend somebody and it's just ridiculous! Don't these people have anything better to do or think of?!?! AARRGGHH!!
2006-12-07 03:31:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
But wasn't Jesus born during the summer? The climate described during the birth matches that of the summer time months.
I think it was moved to cover up yule, a pagan holiday since the church was trying to eliminate that religion.
2006-12-07 03:24:21 · answer #6 · answered by Ghost Wolf 6 · 3⤊ 3⤋
Merry X-mas.
2006-12-07 03:23:44 · answer #7 · answered by missgigglebunny 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yes, The letter "CHI" is the first letter in the spelling of the word "Christos" - "Annointed one".
ICXC - seen on icons of The Lord - Greek letters Iota Sigma - Chi Sigma = "Jesus Christ".
Common for centuries.
I use if myself, quite often. Christmas is often "ICXCMass" when I write it.
2006-12-07 03:25:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
I heard they used a fish. Two arcs, half made by each person.
2006-12-07 03:26:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Not that I am aware of.
No, as a Christian, I find replacing Christ's name with an X very offensive.
2006-12-07 03:28:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋