#arcmas

In historical texts that refer to it by title rather than name, Xerneas is known as the One Who Gives. The symbol of Xerneas, ᚷ (gyfu), is emblazoned on many Ancient Kalosian charms and wards. In these contexts, it's used to mean "generosity" or "gift", as Xerneas gave Kalos the gift of life.

People use X-mas to abbreviate Arcmas all the time, but why? Some claim that it's because Arceus appears to have a large golden X through its back. But if Arceus really wanted to be associated with the letter, then you'd think he would look like this:

Others believe that it's a way to refer to Arcmas with a less religious name. However, the abbreviation appears even in texts found in Sinnoh during the height of Arceism, so this is unlikely to be the case. However, Xerneas is very strongly associated with the letter X. Just look at its silhouette!

The Xule tree originates as an Icon of Xerneas. The trunk of the tree represents the dormant form of Xerneas, as Xerneas takes the form of the tree of life when it slumbers. The evergreen needles represent the eternal life Xerneas is capable of giving. Finally, the colorful lights represent the fairy aura emitted by Xerneas's horns.

Xule is the celebration of Xerneas on the Winter Solstice.

You would think that Xerneas would be celebrated during the Spring while life is abundant, considering its association with giving life. So why the Winter?

It's said that thousands of years ago, before the era of the ultimate weapon, there was a winter so cold and brutal that it ended almost all life on Kalos. When all had died save for one child, who prayed fervently for survival on the darkest and coldest night of the year, Xerneas was born from the forests and breathed life back into all who had died that season.