An "X" for a kiss: Our custom of putting X's at the end of
letters and notes to symbolize kisses grew out of medieval legal
practices. In order to indicate
good faith and honesty in those days, the sign of St. Andrew--a cross--was
placed after the signature on all important documents.
Thereafter, contracts and agreements were not
considered binding until each signer added St. Andrew's cross after his
name. Then he was required to kiss
the document to further guarantee faithful performance of his obligations. The cross was drawn hurriedly, and
often it was tilted and looked much like the letter "X".
Over the centuries, the origin of the ceremony
was forgotten. But people still associated the "X" with the kiss
instead of the pledge of good faith, and the custom has continued into modern
times.
Our heavenly Father puts an X, the cross of
Jesus, over our lives. It is His
“pledge of good faith” that we are His beloved sons and daughters.
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