When did they originate?
Saxons baked buns with crosses to pay respect to Eostre, the goddess of dawn.
The bun made appearances in Greek, Druid and Phoenician culture. Archeologists found them in the ruins of Pompeii. The loaves, too bore a cross.
In the 14th century, an Anglican monk,baked buns and distributed them t o the poor on Good Friday. The cross on each bun honored the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Hot cross buns a celebration of the end of Lent. The sweet buns were and still are a welcome treat after the 40 days of fasting.
The Hot Cross Bun has its legends, too:
- They protect from evil spirits
- Hang them from rafters on Good Friday and the legend says they stay fresh for next Good Friday
- They strengthen friendships when you share them. (I let Brenda Starr have one.)
I also remember fondly that old Golden Record 45 from childhood, very scratchy, listening to the Hot Cross Buns song:
“Hot cross buns
Hot cross buns
One a penny
Two a penny
Hot cross buns
If you have no daughters give them to your sons
One a penny
Two a penny
Hot cross buns
