Xmas etymology

Etymology and Meaning

• Xmas: A shortened form of "Christmas," derived from the abbreviation "X" for the Greek letter Chi (Χ), the first letter of the Greek word Christos (Χριστός), meaning "anointed one" or "Messiah."

Origin

The origins of Christmas can be traced back to ancient pagan festivals and celebrations.

• Pagan Origins: In pre-Christian Europe, various winter solstice festivals were celebrated around December 21-25, such as the Roman Saturnalia and the Celtic Yule. These festivals involved feasting, gift-giving, and merrymaking.

• Christianity: In the 4th century AD, the Roman Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity and established it as the official religion of the empire. As Christianity spread, the church sought to replace pagan festivals with Christian celebrations.

• Birth of Jesus: The Gospels of Matthew and Luke in the New Testament state that Jesus was born during the reign of King Herod. However, the exact date of his birth is unknown. The church chose December 25th as the date for Christmas to coincide with pagan winter solstice festivals.

Adoption and Evolution

• Over time, Christmas became a major feast day in the Christian calendar, celebrated with religious services, gift-giving, and feasts.
• In the Middle Ages, Christmas traditions evolved to include the Christmas tree, Santa Claus, and caroling.
• In the modern era, Christmas has become a secular holiday in many countries, celebrated with a focus on gift-giving, family gatherings, and festive decorations.

Xmas relate terms

• Christ

  Etymology The name Christ comes from the Greek word Χριστός Christós which i

• Messiah

  Etymology and Origin The word Messiah is derived ultimately from the Hebrew word mās

• December

  Etymology December derives from the Latin word decem meaning ten It was originally

• Christmas

  Etymology The word Christmas derives from Old English Cristes Maesse which means C

• masquerade

  Etymology The word masquerade derives from the Spanish term mascarada which emerged

• malignant

  Etymology From Middle English malignant from Late Latin malignāns harmful mischiev

• pretend

  Pretend Etymology From Middle English pretenden meaning to claim or profess to be

• hectic

  Etymology The word hectic comes from the Greek word hektikos which means habitual

• style

  Etymology The word style originated from the Latin word stilus which means a pointe

• halcyon

  Etymology Early 17th century from Late Latin halcyōn from Greek halkyōn the name o

• dilettante

  Etymology Dilettante originates from the Italian word dilettante which means lover