Hot-cross buns in a basket and cup of tea on a white background. Hot cross buns are rich with history, dating back to the 12th century. They're yeasted sweet buns filled with spices and various fruits such as currants, raisins, and/or candied citrus. They're decorated with a white cross, either marked right into the dough or etched on top with icing.
A 12th-century monk introduced the cross to the bun. The origins of hot cross buns may go back as far as the 12th century. According to the story, an Anglican monk baked the buns and marked them with a cross in honour of Good Friday. Over time they gained popularity, and eventually became a symbol of Easter weekend. The bun marks the end of Lent and different parts of the hot cross bun have a certain meaning, including the cross representing the crucifixion of Jesus, and the spices inside signifying the spices used to embalm him at his burial. They are now available all year round in some places. The original use of hot cross buns comes from Pagan traditions it is a representation of the sun wheel used during the spring equinox or " Ostara" sabbat honouring the Goddess Oster which falls on or about March 20th, after the inquisitions and forced conversion of Pagans many of their traditions become absorbed.
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