xxx's and ooo's

My granddaughter asked me why, in a letter she received, the xxx’s and ooo’s at the bottom stood for hugs and kisses. I couldn’t find the answer. Anybody out there have any idea how or why this got started? Thanks…

This should be helpful:

http://www.answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=450133

I don’t know how I managed to mess up in posting that link, but I’ll try again.

http://www.answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=450133

You’re awesome!

That link straightened me out. My fourth grade teacher explained it to us as the “X” being hugs, like it was arms crossing in a hug. The “O” was a kiss because it looked like lips.