The Name ‘Christmas’ and Its Variations
How did Christmas get its name?
The name “Christmas” comes from the Old English term “Cristes Maesse,” meaning “Christ’s Mass.” It refers to the mass or religious service held in honor of the birth of Jesus Christ. Over the centuries, the term evolved into “Christmas” and became synonymous with the holiday celebrating the birth of Christ. The word “mass” itself is derived from the Latin “missa,” which means “dismissal,” indicating the conclusion of the religious service.
Is the word Christmas in the Bible?
No, the word “Christmas” does not appear in the Bible. While the Bible recounts the birth of Jesus in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, the term “Christmas” and the modern celebration of the holiday came much later. The word “Christmas” began to be used in the English language in the 11th century, while the celebration of Christmas as a distinct holiday developed after the Christianization of Roman and pagan traditions.
Why is Christmas shortened to Xmas?
The abbreviation “Xmas” is derived from the Greek letter Chi (Χ), the first letter of “Christ” in Greek (Χριστός, pronounced “Christos”). The use of “X” as a symbol for Christ dates back to the early days of Christianity and is not an attempt to remove “Christ” from “Christmas.” “Xmas” has been used in religious writings for centuries as a shorthand form of “Christmas.” However, some people view it as a secularization of the holiday, but historically, it holds religious significance.
Where did the word Christmas come from in the Bible?
The word “Christmas” does not come from the Bible. It originated from Old English, specifically the term “Cristes Maesse,” which means “Christ’s Mass,” a reference to the religious service celebrating Jesus’ birth. The Bible provides the narrative of Jesus’ birth but does not prescribe a holiday or use the term “Christmas.”
Christmas Terminology and Usage
Why do they call it Xmas?
“Xmas” is an abbreviation of “Christmas,” with “X” representing the Greek letter Chi (Χ), the first letter of “Christ” in Greek. It has been used as a respectful shorthand for “Christmas” since at least the 16th century. Although some people believe using “Xmas” takes the “Christ” out of Christmas, the abbreviation has deep Christian roots and is simply a shortened form of the word.
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What is the meaning of Xmas?
“Xmas” is a common abbreviation for “Christmas.” The “X” stands for the Greek letter Chi, the first letter of “Christ” in Greek, while “mas” refers to the mass or church service. Therefore, “Xmas” carries the same meaning as “Christmas,” though some individuals mistakenly think it is a secular or non-religious term.
Is it correct to say Xmas?
Yes, it is correct to say “Xmas,” especially in casual or informal contexts. The abbreviation is rooted in historical Christian tradition and has been used for centuries. However, some people may prefer to avoid it in formal or religious settings because they feel it removes “Christ” from the word.
Do you say Merry Xmas or Happy Xmas?
Both “Merry Xmas” and “Happy Xmas” are commonly used. “Merry Christmas” is the more traditional phrase, especially in countries like the United States. “Happy Xmas” is also widely accepted, particularly in the UK and other parts of the English-speaking world. Both expressions convey holiday greetings, with “Merry Xmas” being more popular in casual usage.