[The following is an adapted excerpt from my travel guide to haunted places, a book called Paranormal Texas. I hope you enjoy it! Also, full disclosure: that’s an Amazon affiliate link. If you buy stuff after clicking it, I make a few pennies at no additional cost to you.]
XP is Ancient Greek shorthand for “Christ”
When you see an XP symbol on a headstone it is a Christian symbol. Since Christ’s name starts with the letters X and P when spelled in Greek, XP (pronounced KEE-roe) is often used as shorthand for “Christ.”
That’s where Xmas comes from
In fact, that’s where “Xmas” comes from. It’s ancient shorthand for “Christmas.” There is nothing new about it at all! Basically, 1000 years ago a clever scribe realized that the Greek letter Chi, which is written as X, makes a useful substitution for “Christ,” not just in the word Christmas, but in other words such as Christian (Xian) and Christianity (Xianity.) To them, “Xmas” was a perfectly respectful shorthand for “Christmas.”
Used by florists and even punk rockers
It’s not just religious scribes who avoid hand cramps with this clever abbreviation. Florists have been known to prune the lengthy word “Chrysanthemum” by spelling it “Xant.” And in the 17th and 18th centuries, “Christine” was often spelled “Xene” or “Exene.” (Another epiphany for me as a fan of the punk band X, who’s lead singer changed the spelling of her first name to Exene! )
Speaking of Xmas…
In more recent times, the mistaken idea that Xmas is a disrespectful term has taken hold. Many modern style guides, for instance, discourage the use of Xmas and it’s rare to see Christmas spelled “Xmas” on today’s holiday cards.
But WE know better, right?
For now, at least, you and I both know the true meaning of Xmas! And I’ve gotta ask: Have you ever seen XP on a tombstone?
READ MY BOOK: If you enjoy historic cemeteries and want to learn more, check out my book: Understanding Cemetery Symbols. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and ebook form.
Learn more at my Historic Cemetery Podcast & YouTube Channel:
Do you have questions about headstone symbols? Drop by my YouTube channel and let me take you one some virtual cemetery tours!
READ MY BOOK: If you enjoy historic cemeteries and want to learn more, check out my book: Understanding Cemetery Symbols. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and ebook form.
Grab a FREE copy of my book:
Tui Snider is an author, speaker, and photographer who specializes in North Texas travel, cemetery symbols, and haunted lore. As she puts it, “I used to write fiction – but then, I moved to Texas!”
Snider’s best-selling books include Paranormal Texas , Understanding Cemetery Symbols, and 100 Things to Do in Dallas - Fort Worth Before You Die.
Snider has several more books in progress, and enjoys connecting with writers and readers all over the globe through social media, her newsletter and her website: TuiSnider.com.
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