My husband loves hot cross buns. Every year at the first sign of them in the supermarket we buy a few packs, ready to be replenished at every opportunity. There is something indulgent about a hot toasted bun with a good helping of butter. But what have they got to do with Easter? There are a variety of explanations for the origin of the hot cross bun.
Some believe they have pagan origins, with the cross signifying the four seasons, or 4 quarters of the moon.
Others believe their origin is distinctly Christian, with the cross literally representing the cross of Christ.
Records from the 14th century describe a monk who distributed them, and by the 1800’s it was almost considered a religious duty to eat them to mark Good Friday!
But in 2021, what meaning can we take from them?
It’s true many people will eat them as they would any other baked food, simply because they’re delicious, and not for any religious or other significance.
As Christians we can take the opportunity they afford us to discuss the symbolism: The white cross symbolising the pure and sinless Christ who went to the cross for our sins. The spice can be said to reflect the spices which were taken on Easter Sunday to the tomb, ready to anoint Jesus’ body, although he had risen and the tomb was now empty.
So the next time you have a hot cross bun, as well and enjoying their deliciousness, think about how they can remind us of the forgiveness we can have through Jesus’ death on the cross, and the hope of eternal life through our resurrected saviour.
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