Our Values: Who drew that X in Xmas?
Xmas. When you see the holiday expressed that way, do you disapprove? Does X take the Christ out of Christmas? Is it irreligious? Or disrespectful? Perhaps pagan?
If you do object, you’re not alone. Many people grumble about the use of Xmas instead of Christmas — just another sign, many say, that the true reason for the season has been lost, replaced by crass commercialism. Conservative religious leaders call it an attack on Christ.
Do you know who drew that X? You may be surprised.
This week, I did a little research into the annual X debate. I discovered that lots of prominent people have been using the abbreviation for centuries. Lord Byron used it in a letter dated 1811, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary of English usage: “… but if you won’t come here before Xmas, I very much fear we shall not meet here at all.” Lewis Carroll used “Xmas” in a 1864 letter; Oliver Wendell Holmes did so in 1923.
The X comes from the Greek letter “chi,” which is the first letter in the Greek word for Christ, according to reference books. This use of X (and some variations) for “Christ” go back at least 1,000 years. The Oxford English Dictionary cites this use of X since 1485. The compound symbol made from “chi” and “rho” (called the labarum) is a common symbol today in Christian churches.
So what’s the brouhaha today about “Xmas”? It’s not a modern invention. It precedes capitalism. There’s ample historical precedent. And, it’s a religious symbol after all.
Dr. Wayne E. Baker is a sociologist on the senior faculty of the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. Dr. Baker blogs daily at Our Values and can be reached at ourvaluesproject@gmail.com.
Comments
Betty
Wed, Dec 15, 2010 : 9:03 p.m.
Nice piece of trivia. It will come in handy when the extremist start talking about taking the Christ out of Christmas. Generally the same good Christians who think is atrocious for gays to marry, think they are better then others who haven't worked hard enough to deserve healthcare, and think it's a good idea to start wars with other countries. Happy Holidays!
ddjames
Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 8:46 p.m.
@forever27 Your comment is a good example of why it's important to be specific--that is, if you mean Christmas, say Christmas. It's not whether or not someone is "ignorant" but it's about how visual symbols are perceived by the majority of people who see the symbol. In my second book I take some time to analyze the complexity of why some symbol's can take on different meanings (interpretations) over time...but some are so well-established within a culture that any marketing executive understands the challenge of converting that perceived meaning to something else is an expensive and long term endeavor. Hence, an X is what it is and what will continue to be what it is because, of course, I am certain the Christian God does not have a marketing team working on ways to change the current perception of the majority of human beings in this country. What means in other places throughout the world is unknown to this writer as I have not had the opportunity to travel to all countries and continents to uncover such mysteries. BTW You speak of "you" but it is unclear who you are referring to. You mention someone being angry, but I don't hear any anger in the the other comments posted here. Please clarify if perchance you have the vernacular to do so in away that would be meaningful to all. These posts are meant to enrich our lives and promote thinking that allows us to understand the purpose of life and uncover the fundamental values that bond us together as fellow human beings. Anger is not one of them. Anger separates. Only rarely does it produce positive outcomes--and even then never in isolation.
Forever27
Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 3:41 p.m.
@ddjames, so basically what you're saying is that everyone else should adjust to your ignorance of the facts? Sorry, but it's not up to everyone else to assume you know what something means. It's your responsibility to figure it out rather than just get angry at what you don't understand.
krc
Fri, Dec 10, 2010 : 7:37 a.m.
Yes, @Will Warner, there are also Xfer for transfer and TX for treatment, HX for history....
ddjames
Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 12:48 p.m.
That's a nice little bit of history... BUT the point is that the majority of people in this country do NOT recognize X as the equivalent to Christ. X is recognized as crossing something out; doesn't apply; don't want it; get rid of this; or can mean kiss and O hug like in XO. Therefore, with all due respect, your final statement that "And, its a religious symbol after all" is irrelevant...people MUST recognize the symbol in order for it to have meaning. You see the Apple logo--you think Apple the company, you don't think "apple"; golden arches you think McDonald's. X? Christ? I don't think so. You see the cross you think Christ. BUt when the majority of non-Christians see Xmas...they do not think about Christ, they think about time off in Decemeber to spend time with family and friends.
John
Thu, Dec 9, 2010 : 9:08 a.m.
It is simply another arena where we humans can practice our much coveted expressing of hatred and disapproval, which seems to be the very opposite of what the Holidays were meant to do. My religion is more important than yours!
MjC
Wed, Dec 8, 2010 : 8:10 p.m.
U can't h8 Xmas in A2, it's way 2 cool here. So HO3 everyone!
Lola
Wed, Dec 8, 2010 : 6:51 p.m.
People that I know who are offended by the use of Xmas and tell me not to "take the Christ out of Christmas" have just heard the phrase from a minister during a Christmas sermon and are repeating it because they think it makes them sound clever. They really have no idea what they are objecting to.
bunnyabbot
Wed, Dec 8, 2010 : 5:37 p.m.
@ssbuilder it was a cut and paste from online, however I did know that the X was already a symbol (shorthand) for Christ which I found out when I was little upon questioning an Ichthys symbol I had seen, it had "strange" writing on it and was told it was ancient greek which led to being shown the ancient greek word for Christ. Also I've always liked Christian art/iconic art so I have seen the X or XP on that so learned that they stood for Christ. YOu can often find an X hidden in almost any Christian art. Actually, icons and religious drawings and paintings are full of so much symbolism, it is amazing! (and hidden in some "non-religious" art) the most basic one is the X is a Cross. So when you wear a cross you literally have His name/mark upon you. Also Xmas as short hand has been around a really really long time. So when someone thinks they are being sly, disrespectful, commercial about doing Xmas instead of Christmas they are still putting Christ on it and are invoking His name by using His symbol. (Ha!) There is also a theory that the reason why "X marks the spot" on maps started b/c X (Christ)is Salvation and where you will find the treasure etc etc. here's more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xmas http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/christianholidays/f/Xmas.htm
seldon
Wed, Dec 8, 2010 : 4:57 p.m.
LOL @ Will
Will Warner
Wed, Dec 8, 2010 : 4:37 p.m.
I always assumed it has just shorthand. In the computer business we often abreviate Transmit as Xmit. TTFN, ur BFF, Will
sbbuilder
Wed, Dec 8, 2010 : 4:29 p.m.
Holy smokes, bunnyabbot! Are you up on your Aramaic and Attic Greek too? Thanks for the etymology lesson. I like the phrase 'Jesus is the reason for the season.' Without the birth of Jesus, this whole 'season' would have no importance whatever. Even knowing the origin of the 'X' in Xmas (Thanks, Mr Baker for the research), I'm still a big fan of spelling Christmas just like that.
bunnyabbot
Wed, Dec 8, 2010 : 1:47 p.m.
I'm not offended by it b/c I know already have known that: Christ is the English term for the Greek (Khrists) meaning "the anointed one It is a translation of the Hebrew (Ma)...so the X comes from that (the X is also a cross on its side), I don't let this upset me, when someone says "that dude on the cross" or spells God with a little g I find it more disrespectful.
Forever27
Wed, Dec 8, 2010 : 1:18 p.m.
this isn't an article about the vernacular issues with christmas and holidays. It's an informative piece about the history of a phrase that many people misunderstand and become offended by the use of it. I assume the moderators will eliminate the posts that are not related to this article.
Urban Sombrero
Wed, Dec 8, 2010 : 12:58 p.m.
I used to wish my patients a "Merry Christmas".....until I was told off by one of them who didn't celebrate it. Sorry, Christmas lovers, but "Happy Holidays" is much safer and less offensive to non-Christians/non-celebrators. And, honestly, Christmas isn't the only holiday this time of year. I figure "Happy Holidays" is a catch all that covers Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, New Year, etc.
Justavoice
Wed, Dec 8, 2010 : 12:37 p.m.
I have to agree about the whole X thing. If you are wishing someone well in the Christian views, then do it correctly, otherwise don't do it at all. This is all about respect and tolerance. However, the reverse can be said. If someone wishes you well in their own religious views or simply "Happy Holidays" to be more generic and equal to all the religious views this time of year. You should be able to respect it. I get very tired about the "Christmas" verses "Happy Holidays" debate. Contrary to what some people may think, there is a lot of diverse religious holidays this time of year (Not to mention your atheist or agnostic folk) and not one holiday should take precedence over the other (Again it's that tolerance thing).
Andrew Claydon
Wed, Dec 8, 2010 : 12:35 p.m.
Great information Wayne, thanks for the article. As for Happy Holidays, it doesn't replace Merry Christmas it just more all inclusive. It much easier to say than "Merry Christmas, Happy New Years, Winter Solstice, Hanukkah, etc". Say Merry Christmas to who ever you like just don't be offended if they respond with a different greeting.
a2miguy
Wed, Dec 8, 2010 : 12:31 p.m.
Wow. That's some interesting history. Thank you, Wayne, for this article. I have a family member who makes a huge ugly deal about the use of Xmas. Just another example of how some people interpret the Bible (just to name one common example), and their interpretation is "gospel" and those who don't agree are damned for all eternity.
Warbler
Wed, Dec 8, 2010 : 12:29 p.m.
All of my work is done overseas in Europe. I am often wished a Merry Christmas as a phone call comes to an end during the holiday season. Not sure why it remains OK to say this in Europe, although I must admit I do like hearing "Merry Christmas" said to me from those who really don't know my religious beliefs. Nice bit of research, Dr. Baker. Thanks for sharing.
Joe Hood
Wed, Dec 8, 2010 : 12:27 p.m.
I believe if you celebrate Christmas, say "Merry Christmas." If you celebrate Hanukkah, say "Happy Hanukkah." And so forth. If you don't celebrate anything, say "Happy Holidays" or nothing at all. Celebrate your beliefs because how can anyone be offended by your beliefs. If you have joy in your heart, it's meant to be shared. Even if they think they need to correct you into saying "Happy Holidays."
4x4Saline
Wed, Dec 8, 2010 : 12:15 p.m.
I feel that if people can write out the word "Holidays" when writing "Happy Holidays" they should be able to write out "Christmas" when referring to Christmas. It's not "CROSSmas"!!!
Garrett
Wed, Dec 8, 2010 : 12:12 p.m.
@Boo Radley. How are the cashiers behind the counter supposed to know that you are Christian and thus wish you a Merry Christmas? Does it not occur to you that almost every major religion has a holiday around late December? If you don't like it, take it up with the founder's of your religion.
Boo Radley
Wed, Dec 8, 2010 : 11:59 a.m.
It is not the use of the "X" that bothers me at Christmas time. It is the apparent rule that no one can be wished a "Merry Christmas" due to it possibly offending other religions or ethnic groups. The law of the land now seems to be that everyone must stick with "Happy Holidays". Christmas must not be mentioned. Even a day or two before Christmas, you are unlikely to hear anyone wish you a Merry Christmas. You see this with wait staff in restaurants, retail store employees, doctor's offices and hospitals, schools and universities, and well... just about everywhere. If you want to hear someone say "Merry Christmas" this year, you are problably going to have to drop some money into a Salvation Army bucket. Merry Christmas Ann Arbor!