‘One a penny, two a penny’

Hot Cross Buns

This little rhyme dates back to the 1700s but the buns themselves have been around for a lot longer…

 These days Hot Cross Buns are synonymous with Easter, the cross supposedly symbolises the crucifixion of Christ and the spices represent the spices used to embalm him. During the reign of Elizabeth I a law was passed, decreeing that Hot Cross Buns could only be eaten on Good Friday, Christmas and at burials.

It has been claimed that they were invented by Brother Thomas Rocliffe, a 14th Century monk in St Albans, however the Ancient Greeks and Romans are also believed to have baked buns with crosses in. The Saxons made cross buns to celebrate Eostre, their goddess of dawn and fertility. Eostre was depicted as a maiden surrounded by spring flowers, birds, bunnies and baby animals, and according to the Venerable Bede her name is the origin of the word Easter. It seems like everyone wants to take credit for inventing the Hot Cross Bun, but given how tasty they are, it’s no wonder.

There are some strange traditions associated with Hot Cross Buns. Apparently sharing one cements a friendship, taking one on a voyage prevents shipwrecks and a Hot Cross Bun hung in your kitchen protects against fire. Supposedly if you hang it on Good Friday, it will stay fresh for a year. Ours get eaten too quickly to find out if that’s true and we only make them for the Easter season so make sure you don’t miss out.