This article on what is a hot cross bun was updated by the Great British Mag editorial team on 11 April 2020.
You may have noticed a hot cross bun which looks like a bread rolls with a white cross on top of it being sold in supermarkets and bakeries. Are you wondering whether they a cake or a bread roll? Why are they being sold before Easter? Read on to find some answers and be sure to try one they are delicious.
History of the hot cross bun
Hot cross buns were invented by the Christians in ancient Rome and are a traditional snack eaten during Easter. They are made of sweet, spiced bread dough with raisins which ia baked. Most people eat hot cross buns either toasted or cold with loads of butter.
The reason they are sold during Easter is because Christians associate crosses with the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday and the cross on top of the bun is used to symbolise this link.
In fact, Hot Cross Buns are so popular in the UK we even have a song about them which goes like this.
Hot cross buns!
Hot cross buns!
One ha’ penny, two ha’ penny,
Hot cross buns!
If you have no daughters,
Give them to your sons
One ha’ penny,
Two ha’ penny,
Hot Cross Buns
There are many superstitious beliefs surrounding these buns, including they protect against a shipwreck and from a fire if you hang them in your home. It is also believed that if you split a hot cross bun with a friend then the friendship will endure throughout the following year.
If you have a question for our resident Brit, drop us an email ataskabrit@greatbritishmag.co.uk.
