Once upon a not-so-long-ago time, hot cross buns were available in the shops only a few weeks before Easter. Back in those days I would buy them as often as I could and even store some in the freezer to enjoy after Easter. In particular, we enjoyed the Coles homebrand buns. They weren't dried out so you could eat them toasted or not, as you desired. Over the last few years hot cross buns have been available within days of Christmas being over. And this is where my objections began.
Is it just me, or is there something inherently wrong with greedily profiting from a religious observance and tradition some four months before the event actually occurs? Because of the commercial greed that drives the provision of hot cross buns so many months before they're required, I now buy none. That's right, not a single cent is spent on purchasing these little fruit buns that absolutely adore. And that makes me feel a tad cranky. I want to stomp my foot and whine "It's not fair"!
Rather than becoming bitter and twisted about the whole thing, I decided to make the tradition of eating hot cross buns a meaningful and special event in our family. I make them early in the day on Good Friday so that we can hopefully have them for morning tea. Over the years we've spent time staying with friends, camping, staying home....and no matter where we are I will make them. Because I want my children to know they are a special part of the symbolism that helps us focus on the reason we celebrate Easter in the first place.
4 comments:
I so hear you, I so hear you...I think it is appalling that something associated with such a meaningful time of year is available right after xmas. If people didnt buy them, then the shops wouldnt stock them , but it is the consumers that just buy them without any thought..I have alwasy thought, why dont they just make a fruit bun, without the cross all year round for people who would like to buy them...I only buy them this Thursday for Easter and thats it...TAKE THE CROSS OFF, is what I say....that isnt too much to ask....enjoy your homemade buns...x
I agree! I have never made hot cross buns myself but will only buy them in the week leading up to Easter. Good grief, they are in the shops practically from February onwards!
I love the spiced fruit ones, toasted under the griller then spread with butter and marmalade. Delish!
Have a happy Easter,
Cheers - Joolz
Tracy, It drives me crazy when religious holidays give rise to greedy practices! I've always thought that besides the Easter bunny stuff, Easter was fairly immune--for awhile over here there seemed to be a push to get people to buy supplies for Easter Egg trees, but it didn't seem to take--but as long as there's money in it somewhere, someone's going to take advantage. Good for you for taking a stand!
xofrances
Enchanged Moments: I agree, take the cross off and sell them all year round for those who like fruit buns. Problem solved.
Joolz, around Victoria they are available from just after Christmas. I kid you not ~ they were in the shops during the week after Christmas.
It's nice to know I'm not alone on this one!
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