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In medieval times, most people were unable to read
or write. When it came time to sign a document, people who
could not write usually made an "X" mark. Of course, an "X"
is not much of a signature. To add a sense of
commitment, it became customary to kiss the "X" after writing
it.
Kissing the "X" was "performance law," a ritual act that
bound the parties the way legal documents bind us
today. This act, witnessed by the person who wrote the text,
represented a solemn guarantee of the truthfulness of
what was written, and an oath to carry out whatever
obligations were stated in the document.
Over the years, the "X" and the kiss became
interchangeable. Today, people who can read and write
might still add one or more "X" marks to their letters, maybe
with a couple of "O"s thrown in for hugs. |
中世纪
"X"并不能完全代表当作某人的签名
为了表示正式承诺，人们往往在划了一个"X"后习惯性地亲一下这个符号。
当事人
郑重地保证
可互换的
免费添加，额外奉送
Example: When I bought the house, I got the carpets and
curtains thrown in.
我买房子的时候免费得到了地毯和窗帘。
拥抱 |
