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If Easter Sunday is the day for Easter Eggs, Good Friday is for enjoying a lovely Hot Cross Bun...or two.
But these delicious buns have not always been associated with Christianity, and indeed had their origins in ancient cultures with the cross representing the four quarters of the moon. During the early medieval period, the Christian church adopted the hot cross bun and reinterpreted the icing cross. Apparently a monk named Father Thomas Rockcliffe began a tradition in 1361 of giving Hot Cross Buns to the poor of St Albans on Good Friday.
The buns have been associated with healing and protection from evil. When Roman Catholicism was banned in England in 17th century the popularity of the bun continued. Queen Elizabeth I eventually banned the consumption of Hot Cross Buns except during festivals such as Easter, Christmas and funerals!
Try a recipe or if you're lucky to have a local store that sells them, buy some for Friday 14th....or any time for that matter. They're not banned now.
Yum. Happy Easter
Comments
Thanks for the info on Hot Cross Buns. I'm planning a lesson on making the buns this week with Year 7. However, following your comment that the Buns are no longer banned I thought you should know I've just read the Telegraph article on schools across the country banning Hot Cross Buns from their menu. I am quite shocked by this and will continue to make the buns as planned with my students.
Posted by: Penny Curran | February 24, 2007 9:36 PM
It's extraordinary the lengths we are going in this country to be politically correct and non-religious...assuming that's the reason for banning the Hot Cross Bun! It's good to hear you will continue with the tradition, as they are truly delicious! Thanks for your feedback, Penny.
Noel
Posted by: noel | February 28, 2007 9:50 AM
Are hot cross buns cross buns that are served hot. Can on have a cold cross bun or is it a cold hot cross bun?
Hi Ian, I guess one could have a cold 'Hot Cross Bun', but they're usually eaten toasted under the grill with melted butter. It's your choice! :-) Noel
Posted by: Ian Turnbull | March 22, 2008 12:20 PM