Why Were Hot Cross Buns Banned?
Hot Cross Buns were banned in England several times between the 16th and 18th centuries because they were associated with Catholicism. Protestant reformers believed that the cross on the buns symbolized the crucifixion of Jesus and argued that it was a papist idol. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the ban was lifted and Hot Cross Buns became a popular Easter tradition once again.