Is it right to call Christmas Xmas?
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Is it right to call Christmas Xmas?
There is a common misconception that the word Xmas is a secular attempt to remove the religious tradition from Christmas by taking the “Christ” out of “Christmas”. While “Xmas” is considered to be an informal abbreviation, and should never be used in formal writing, it is historically correct.
What is different between Christmas and Xmas?
Christmas or Christmas Day is the holiday which is celebrated by Christians as the birth of Jesus Christ while Xmas is the abbreviation of the word. The word “Christmas” is the spelling most preferred by most Christians while businesses and advertisements prefer to use the word “Xmas” because it is more concise.
Why is Christmas not Christmas?
According to “Curious Customs” by Tad Tuleja, using “Xmas” instead of Christmas dates back to at least late medieval England. He writes that other, funkier versions, like “X’temmas,” cropped up in 1531. Despite its historical bona fides, the abbreviation has taken considerable flak over the years, especially in the US.
Who started Xmas?
The church in Rome began celebrating Christmas on December 25 in the 4th century during the reign of Constantine, the first Christian emperor, possibly to weaken pagan traditions.
When did Xmas start being used?
But, the history of the word Xmas is actually more respectable—and fascinating—than you might suspect. First of all, the abbreviation predates (by centuries) its use in gaudy advertisements. It was first used in the mid-1500s. X represents the Greek letter chi, the initial letter in the word Χριστός (Chrīstos).
What is the meaning of Merry Xmas?
—used to wish someone an enjoyable Christmas holiday.
Is Xmas a word?
Xmas (also X-mas) is a common abbreviation of the word Christmas. The “X” comes from the Greek letter Chi, which is the first letter of the Greek word Christós (Greek: Χριστός), which became Christ in English. The suffix -mas is from the Latin-derived Old English word for Mass.
Why was Christmas created?
In ancient Rome, December 25 was a celebration of the Unconquered Sun, marking the return of longer days. The church in Rome began celebrating Christmas on December 25 in the 4th century during the reign of Constantine, the first Christian emperor, possibly to weaken pagan traditions.