Hot cross buns are traditionally eaten during the Easter holiday season and these days turn up in stores from Boxing Day. But did you know that they have a long history - lemme skip the boring bits….
The origins of hot cross buns can be traced back to ancient Greece, where they were made in honor of the goddess Eostre…. Hmmm what does that word sound like? These early versions of hot cross buns were made with honey, raisins, and spices.
In England, hot cross buns became associated with Christianity through an effective marketing campaign and were often sold by street vendors on Good Friday. The cross on top of the buns represented the crucifixion of Jesus, while the spices inside symbolized the spices used to embalm him after his death.
Hot cross buns were so popular in England that in 1592, Queen Liz the first, passed a law allowing them to be sold only on certain holidays, such as Christmas, Easter, and funerals - note: funerals aren’t holidays because there’s no jumping castle.
Today, hot cross buns are all over the world, and the recipe has evolved to include a different ingredients, from chocolate chips to dried fruit and even fucked up flavours like burger sauce. (Thanks for the trauma, Coles)
So, next time you enjoy a hot cross bun, remember its rich history and the many traditions that have contributed to its creation.