The History of XOXO

Good Morning, Quilters! It’s no surprise I love Valentine’s Day. Bright colors, lots of treats, and flowers – what more could you need?? Well this Valentine’s Day, I’ve uncovered the history behind something I’ve always wondered about – why we use XOXO for kisses and hugs! The truth goes further back in time than I would’ve guessed…
Machine and Hand Quilting, Lori Kennedy
During the Middle Ages, most people could not read or write. So when they needed to sign a document, they would mark it with an “X.” The “X,” was the symbol for Christ and the cross. By marking it with an “X,” they were showing their faith and fidelity. They’d then kiss the letter to further signify their sworn oath – they sealed it with a kiss! You might call it an emoji for the Middle Ages…. The history behind the “O” for hugs is less conclusive. Some believe it evolved when Jewish Immigrants came to America, they signed their name with an “O” because the “X” didn’t represent their faith. Others say it simply looks like an embrace! You can read more about it here! https://www.theknot.com/content/xoxo-meaning
Machine and Hand Quilting, Lori Kennedy
How do YOU celebrate Valentine’s Day?? Do you send snail mail?? Do YOU make quilts? Who’s YOUR Sweetheart? We’d LOVE to hear! Most faithfully yours! XOXOXO Lori

11 responses to “The History of XOXO”

  1. Yes, I send snail mail. My hubby is my sweetheart. We usually celebrate by going out to eat. And yes, I am trying to learn to quilt again.

  5. Valentines Day is my favorite day of the year. Love, hearts and chocolate all things that are important to me.
    I wish you and your family a Happy Valentines Day.

  7. My hubby & I always exchange valentine cards over breakfast, which I usually am
    the one to prepare. We go out, fairly early, to eat dinner at a good but quiet restaurant
    (hard to find these days!). I still send close friends valentine cards, some years cookies…I used to craft them from bits of lace…maybe next year. Happy Valentine’s
    Day to you & yours. Kate

  8. I am at the airport waiting for my flight to Atlanta and then savannah. I will spend a week at Hilton Head Island, SC. Hopefully it will be warmer than Des Moines!

    1. Because my DH takes such good care of me (brings me coffee while I work, fixes my breakfast most mornings, does the laundry and cleans the litter boxes) I am going to make him a German Chocolate cake after work today. For dinner we will have a roast chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy, glazed carrots, and homemade cranberry-apple compote.

  10. Unfortunately, I’m “celebrating” by getting a shot in my lower back so I can stand to be alive in my own body. Walking is a perk. So I will be sedated most of today and tomorrow. Good news? I tend to get really “mushy” when I’m in that condition. Lol

    The rest of you, have fun celebrating love with your sweetheart. 😍

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