Very nice poem. And yes, the X was for Christians and the O was for Jews. Not only is that where we got hugs and kisses, it's also where we got tic-tac-toe. The "mark" of your religion was also for signatures because literacy was illegal for a long time in many places, so people couldn't write their name.
J Lenni Dorner~ Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge, Debut Author Interviewer, Reference& Speculative Fiction Author
I'd heard that history of O is apocryphal, but it could be. Of course, the X or cross was used centuries before the time of Christ, they "borrowed" it! I find the history of words, holidays, and traditions fascinating! Thanks for sharing.
It does make sense. Lots of things do once you find out the origins. As you probably know, what with so many stories having at least a kernel of history in them!
Good point!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Actually, the origin makes sense. It has to do with kissing the cross, as well as the symbol X for a signature, then kissed.
DeleteVery nice poem. And yes, the X was for Christians and the O was for Jews. Not only is that where we got hugs and kisses, it's also where we got tic-tac-toe. The "mark" of your religion was also for signatures because literacy was illegal for a long time in many places, so people couldn't write their name.
ReplyDeleteJ Lenni Dorner~ Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge, Debut Author Interviewer, Reference& Speculative Fiction Author
I'd heard that history of O is apocryphal, but it could be. Of course, the X or cross was used centuries before the time of Christ, they "borrowed" it!
DeleteI find the history of words, holidays, and traditions fascinating! Thanks for sharing.
Totally makes sense! I have always wondered about this.
ReplyDeleteThe Multicolored Diary
It does make sense. Lots of things do once you find out the origins. As you probably know, what with so many stories having at least a kernel of history in them!
DeleteI think you've called this one correctly! And made me smile to boot.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Delete