Good Friday

Well, it had to be hot cross buns on Good Friday. 

The bun marks the end of the Christian season of lent, with different parts of the hot cross bun having certain meaning. Including the cross representing the crucifixion of Jesus, the spices  inside signifying the spices used to embalm him at his burial and sometimes also orange peel to reflect the bitterness of his time on the cross.

English folklore includes many superstitions surrounding hot cross buns. One says that buns baked and served on Good Friday will not spoil or grow mouldy during the subsequent year. Another encourages keeping such a bun for medicinal purposes. A piece of it given to someone who is ill is said to help them recover.

If taken on a sea voyage, hot cross buns are said to protect against shipwrecks. If hung in the kitchen, they are said to protect against fire and ensure that all breads turn out perfectly. The hanging bun is replaced each year. 

I hope you have a Good Friday. I’m off to enjoy my hot cross bun and probably a few chocolate eggs in days to come, but I will also hopefully spend a few minutes remembering what Easter is really about.