[R-390] Re: BTW#2 ( was Nuvistaplug?)

[Barry Hauser]

The other Barry wrote:

> "X" is the Greek letter "chi", the first letter in the word for Christ.
> Many times, the early Christians combined "chi" and "rho" (the first two
> letters in the word "Christ") together to make a chi-rho symbol which was
> "code" for "Christ" and was used by early "underground" Christians.  At
> least that's what my history books told me in HY-102.
>
> Barry - N4BUQ

First, my apologies for starting this OT thread, but it's timely and was 
provoked by the mysteries of the origins of the varous SP-600's -- I guess 
it was the X in JX what done it.  When you get older, the mind wanders.

Before relating my theory, as you know, history is subject to change on 
short nor no notice.  Seems to change every week on the History Channel.

I found on a website, the following:

"This abbreviation for Christmas is of Greek origin. The word for Christ in 
Greek is Xristos. During the 16th century, Europeans began using the first 
initial of Christ's name, "X" in place of the word Christ in Christmas as a 
shorthand form of the word. Although the early Christians understood that X 
stood for Christ's name, later Christians who did not understand the Greek 
language mistook "Xmas" as a sign of disrespect. "

This has the practice beginning in the 16th century -- I don't know about 
that.

Whenever it started, the practice of using "Xmas" has continued -- probably 
as a convenient abbreviation, but even that seems odd -- doesn't really save 
many letters, does it?  No reason for it to be underground, not for a 
millenium and a half or so.

I suspect it may originate from the orthodox (current and ancient Judaism, 
the latter applicable to earliest Christians) of not spelling out the name 
of the "Chief Engineer of the Universe" in full in anything but a truly holy 
book or scroll.  These were/are not ever burned, but must be buried with a 
special ceremony when they eventually wear out.  However, other written 
materials are burned, so you might see --even on a web site or post on a 
list -- the spelling "G-d" which is an old-fashioned workaround.

Hmmmmm.... everything goes round and round and comes out here:  How about 
"xtals" for crystals?  I guess that's more Greek, eh?  Hence, JX vs. 
J(non-X).  I can see X and xtals for crystals, but the other one has always 
mystified me.  Maybe an early attempt at political correctness?

Back to on-topic mode - sorry for the digression again.

Barry