Seldom, during the holiday season, does a newspaper fail to receive at least one sincere letter complaining about someone’s use of the word “Xmas.”

A little investigating into the origin of the word tells me, however, a great deal about language, people and the links connecting us with the other human beings who lived 100 years before us.

Contrary to the common misconception, the “X” in “Xmas” stands for an unknown factor and is certainly not a slur on the name of Christ. Nor is it a denigration of the meaning of Christmas.

The use of “X” to stand for Christ began in the early days of Christianity. “X” was considered a reverent sign because it was a reminder of the cross on which Christ was crucified.

Scholars and monks continue to use the symbol “X” as shorthand for Christ or “Xristos” in the Greek language long after Christianity was established in Rome and as early as the 11th Century.

At that time, Christmas was referred to as “Xmas.”

So, now, when I see the word hastily scrawled on signs, advertised trees and elsewhere, I will keep in mind the history of the word and remember it is not a smear against beliefs cherished by Christians throughout the world, and hope those who choose to use the word will understand its origin too.

Kathleen Chamis

Ashland, Ky.