X for

ABC Wednesday

The letter is X and it stands for

 

which is the Greek symbol for Christ, being the upper case forms of the letter X (ch)

and P (r) in the Greek alphabet.

 

As far back as 1021 there are references in the Anglo Saxon Chronicle

where Christ was often written as Xp or Xt

 

and so this shortened form of Christmas (Xmas) is not as modern

as we might think, or a careless way of referring

to the birthday of the Christ child

(as in, ' U R a Holy Child)

but an ancient and historic symbol.

 

The figure above is called a laburnum, an amalgamation of the two Greek letters,

and is often used in Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox churches.

 

And even, it seems, it was used by Santa in this l910 Christmas card.....

 

 

I echo his wishes and send you all best wishes for happiness and Christmas blessings.

 

For more Merry X's click here to reach Roger and Denise and their helpful elves

at ABC Wednesday.