Mithrasmas

English

Etymology

Blend of Mithras +‎ Christmas. In reference to one Roman Dies Natalis Solis Invicti associated with December 25 and unrelated to Mithraism. Sol Invictus was also conflated with or used as an epithet of Mithras, from where the confused misidentification arose. Apparently coined by Gwendolyn MacEwen.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈmɪθɹəsməs/

Proper noun

Mithrasmas

1. (rare) Christmas (Christian or secular holiday held on December 25), presented as linked to Mithras
   • 1970, Gwendolyn MacEwen, “The Second Coming of Julian the Magician”, in Prism International, volume 9, number 3, page 105:

     ‘Thank you, and a Merry Mithrasmas to you,’’^[sic] I said.