Hot cross bun

Hot cross buns - fig and pecan

Hot Cross Buns Ad for Good Friday 1884

Hot cross buns for Easter, April 2006

Hot Cross Bun is a traditional pastry that is closely associated with Christianity and specifically, the Easter season. It is a type of sweet roll made with yeast dough and typically contains currants or raisins, and is marked on the top with a cross that is either piped in icing or etched into the dough. The bun's distinctive cross is meant to symbolize the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, making it a significant symbol in Christian liturgy and traditions, especially during Good Friday.

History

The origins of the hot cross bun are believed to date back to the 12th century when an Anglican monk baked the buns and marked them with a cross in honor of Good Friday. Over time, the tradition spread, and the hot cross bun became a staple of the Easter season in many Christian countries. By the 16th century, the buns were popular enough that they were being sold on the streets of England, and their sale was eventually regulated by Queen Elizabeth I, who decreed that they could only be sold on Good Friday, Christmas, or for burials.

Ingredients and Preparation

A typical hot cross bun recipe includes flour, sugar, yeast, milk, eggs, butter, and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. The dough is enriched with butter and egg, making it tender, and is flavored with spices and sweetened with sugar. Currants or raisins are added for texture and sweetness. After the dough is shaped into buns, a cross is added to the top. This can be done by making a paste with flour and water and piping it onto the buns before baking, or by cutting into the dough. The buns are then baked until golden brown.

Cultural Significance

The hot cross bun holds significant cultural and religious symbolism. The cross on the bun represents the crucifixion of Jesus, making it a poignant emblem of the Easter season. In addition to their religious significance, hot cross buns have been imbued with various superstitions and beliefs over the centuries. For example, it was once believed that hot cross buns baked on Good Friday would not spoil or mold during the subsequent year. Others believed that these buns could protect their homes from evil spirits or ensure that friendships would remain strong over the coming year.

Modern Traditions

Today, hot cross buns are enjoyed in many countries around the world, both within and outside of religious contexts. They are commonly available in bakeries and stores during the Easter season. Variations of the traditional hot cross bun have emerged, featuring different types of dried fruit, chocolate chips, or even savory versions without the sweet spices and sugar.

See Also

• Easter
• Good Friday
• Christianity
• Pastry
• Yeast bread