The story of Hot Cross Buns and how they are linked to Good Friday

Most of us are probably thinking of the nursery rhyme that we learned about the Hot Cross Buns and to be honest, it was also the time that most of us got tempted to the mere description of them. These are fresh, sweet and spiced buns that have been prepared over centuries on Good Friday. The major ingredients are flour, sugar, dried fruits, yeast and oil. They have a dense texture and are both sweet and spicy at the same time. A cross is traditionally made on it with icing or is often carved into the buns before they go into the oven to bake. This cross is believed to represent the cross that Jesus was crucified on. It is a special delicacy that people only enjoyed on Good Fridays but with their increased popularity, they are made and enjoyed all year round.

Many theories revolve around, trying to answer this question. Some of them highlight their symbolism related to Christianity but a lot of them also take us back to tales related to their origin and how they became a part of food traditionally cooked at home for Good Friday. Some of them are-

According to historians, it is believed that Queen Elizabeth I passed a law against the distribution of these sweet buns during the times of funerals, Good Fridays, Christmas and Easter. The citizens had to abide by the rule but because they were superstitious and believed that the Hot Cross Buns had magical powers and medicinal properties, they decided to make a way around the law. That is when people started cooking them at home and because it wasn’t an easy task to cook these buns back in the day, people only made them on special occasions in big batches. Among many superstitions, some people also believed that buns prepared on Good Friday will stay fresh for the whole year. After this, not only did the buns gain huge popularity, the government of the Queen had to banish the law.

According to some tales, the origin of the buns can also be traced back to the 12th century where an Anglican Monk baked these buns and made the cross on them on purpose. While the reason is still unknown. People like to believe that he did that in honour of Good Friday and with time, it became a tradition. Or we can say that it went viral.

Many superstitions revolve around almost every festival and they slowly take the form of traditions. Similarly, tales are associated with Good Friday and these buns that are now followed as traditions in many homes. Like hanging the Hot Cross Buns outside the house can help in keeping evil spirits away or the buns can also protect sailors from shipwrecks. Some people also believe that baking Hot Cross Buns at home can also strengthen friendships for lifetimes.
Whatever the reason may be, we now know that Hot Cross Buns are not a delicacy to be missed and now with modern equipment, it is far easier to bake them than it was a few centuries ago. So, stop waiting for the Queen to leave the ban and start baking your Hot Cross Buns at home today. And if you are someone who is observing a fast, get your batch ready before you start getting hungry with their delicious aroma.