Q. In what century was the first written use of “Xmas”?
A. The 16th century. The “X” in Xmas comes from the Greek letter Chi which looks like an “X.”
The letter “X” has long been used as an abbreviation for Christ since the Greek word for Christ begins with what looks like an “X.” Christ was often written with the letters Chi (X) Rho (p) which looks like Xp. The Chi-Rho symbol representing Christ looks like this:
This question was answered by a priest of the Diocese of Lincoln. Write to Ask the Register using our online form, or write to 3700 Sheridan Blvd., Suite 10, Lincoln NE 68506-6100. All questions are subject to editing. Editors decide which questions to publish. Personal questions cannot be answered. People with such questions are urged to take them to their nearest Catholic priest.
