Why Christmas is also called as XMAS?

Question

Can you specify the reason?

Answer 1

In early Greek versions of the New Testament, the letter Χ (chi), is the first letter of Christ. Since the mid-16th century Χ, or the similar Roman letter X, was used as an abbreviation for Christ. Hence, Xmas is often used as an abbreviation for Christmas.

Answer 2

The word Christmas originated as a contraction of "Christ's mass". It is derived from the Middle English Christemasse and Old English Cristes mæsse, a phrase first recorded in 1038, compounded from Old English derivatives of the Greek christos and the Latin missa.In early Greek versions of the New Testament, the letter Χ (chi), is the first letter of Christ. Since the mid-16th century Χ, or the similar Roman letter X, was used as an abbreviation for Christ.Hence, Xmas is often used as an abbreviation for Christmas.

Answer 3

by magpieix Member since:

June 08, 2006

Total points:

16060 (Level 6)



X has been a valid abbreviation for Christ for over 1200 years and was first used by Christians. X is the first letter of Christ's name in Greek



Those spreading the myth of the "War On Christmas" actively encourage the lie that the intent is to "remove Christ from Christmas".--they are relying on Christians' ignorance of their own history to create discord.

Answer 4

Christmas is sometimes shortened to Xmas partly because In early Greek versions of the New Testament, the letter Χ (chi), is the first letter of Christ (Χριστός). Since the mid-sixteenth century Χ, or the similar Roman letter X, was used as an abbreviation for Christ.

Answer 5

Abbreviation

Answer 6

As previous answerers have said, it has ancient roots. And it's used to not offend those of us who aren't christian....

Answer 7

I think spankbuda is right.

Answer 8

well...

it was used as an abbreviation

but now they are using it so that jews and such (pretty much every1 thats not christian) dont get offended..

but i personally think its stupid..

bcause there taking the word CHRIST out of CHRISTMAS lol

Answer 9

Because Nobody knows the exact date of birth of Jesus Christ. So, this day is called as 'X' (unknown)mas...!

Answer 10

Abbreviation???? Laziness??? its still said the same way.

Answer 11

one- people r lazy to spell such a long word

secondly it is after christ.

Answer 12

X is for Christ I think.

Answer 13

because many people pronounce it CRISSMAS not chrisTmas. so the criss (like criss cross applesauce) is shaped as an X

Answer 14

Its to piggy back on the popularity of the X-Men.

Answer 15

same reason crossing is xing. and thx giving... its shorter.

Answer 16

well.................

afer awhile , ya get so fur out , the'Y jus'.... x :em, out........Done matter how big or small ya is....

Answer 17

shortcut..;)