Why do some call it XMas?

[Duke]

I know that Christmas is often referred to as XMas and some people are very touchy if you actually refer to it as XMas, I wonder why? Does anyone actually know the answer?

[Stone]

I've been looking for an awanser but I am not having much luck.... Sorry I think it's just a shorter term of spelling it.

[Star]

I use x-mas because it's shorter to spell. No reason why really. If there is a reason, I'm clueless to what the answer might be.

[Duke]

I'm not having a lot of luck with it either. I wonder if it has something to do with taking Christ out of the word.

[alkali]

for years Xmas was a perfectly acceptable abbreviation for Christmas. People used Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays or Seasons Greatings pretty much interchangeably...today so many people have gotten way too Hyper-Sensitive about things.

Say it and celebrate it your way.

[Duke]

Agreed alkali, society is touchy about everything these days and it's rediculous. We sue people/businesses because of our own stupidity/clumsiness, we hate having our privacy invaded yet can't get enough of Jerry Springer, Hard Copy and "reality tv", and we spend all our time blaming others for our misery than actually reflecting inward. It's rediculous if you stop and think about it.

[Samson]

Even I know the ten commandments of your god include that "Thou shall not use His name in Vain."

"Xmas" covers is a way of CYA, just in case you get up to the pearly gates and St. Peter denies entry on the basis you've pissed him off with one to many jolly demands that your fellow man have a "Merry Christmas!!"

As a pagan, I've never really understood this particular little rule. After all is not the recitation of a god's name the most explicit indication that you believe in his (or her) existance, and seek his or her assistance to involk a charm or curse?

[alkali]

Duke, you pinned that down well and it would make an interesting thread later on.

Samson, I have a god and creator and he made me far too simple a man to understand what you're saying. It was a commandment, followed by what seemed an internet joke, and then what seemed like reference to ritualistic chanting. I surely don't understand.

[Duke]

Originally Posted by alkali

Samson, I have a god and creator and he made me far too simple a man to understand what you're saying. It was a commandment, followed by what seemed an internet joke, and then what seemed like reference to ritualistic chanting. I surely don't understand.

Holy crap that's hilarious, rofl

[Samson]

Alkali, you understood perfectly. :wink:

[Merika]

Okay....in my infinite wisdom....I'll clear this up.

In the early days of Christianity.....many people could not read or write. When they had to sign their name....an X became acceptable because they were basing 'their name on the name of Jesus'.....X being the sign of the Catholic Cross on the chest. Therefore, the name was accepted as being as 'good as' their Christian alliance with Christ.

Therefore, X-Mas said the same thing and was used later on store windows and other areas due to a lack of space. It still means CHRIST = X - Mas. Or Christ's Mass.....which most Catholics still celebrate.

[Duke]

It seems to me that a small t would have made for a better symbol to represent the cross. I get the meaning though.

[Merika]

Yeah....it would if you knew there was such a thing as a 't' as an illiterate person in the dark ages. They didn't know the alphabet....so they made a cross....similar to the one they made on their chest upon entering the church.

I'm really surprised....because I thought everyone knew that.

I forget not everyone is as wise as my blonde self. HAHA!

[Duke]

We're all in awe of your superior intellect. I'm hoping some of it rubs off on me, metaphorically speaking of course.

[Merika]

Originally Posted by Duke

, metaphorically speaking of course.

Yeah....rubbing beyond 'metaphorically' requires a token payment in beer.