Expert: Carol Pozefsky - 12/17/2003

Question
Hi Carol
I am interested in finding out where the word "Christmas" originated  and also the word "mass" in refence to Christmas.
Thanks for your help
Hannah

Answer
Hello and thank you for your question,
    The word Christ stems from the Middle and Old English word Crist meaning the anointed one, the Lord's Anointed.  It is borrowed from the Latin Christus and from the Greek Christos also meaning the anointed one.  The Greek is a translation of Hebrew mashiah meaning anointed of the Lord or Messiah.  In the word Christmas, the suffix mas evolves from the Old English word maesse meaning festival, feast day or mass.  
    The best to you always,   Carol P.