Hot Cross Buns was first a cry that later evolved into a nursery rhyme as it was passed down between generations of kids and adults. This cry was heard on Good Fridays when these sacred, spicy buns were sold and eaten. It was first mentioned in 1733, in Poor Robin’s Almanac when it was slightly different:
Good Friday comes this month, the old woman runs,
With one or two a penny hot cross buns.
The custom of eating buns on special days and holy days was probably introduced by the Romans. Today, this nursery rhyme is used extensively in music classes to teach kids how to learn a new instrument.
Hot Cross Buns Lyrics
Hot-cross buns! Hot-cross buns!
One a penny, two a penny,
Hot-cross buns!
If you have no daughters,
Give them to your sons,
One a penny, two a penny,
Hot-cross buns!
But if you have none of these little elves,
Then you may eat them all yourselves.
Hot Cross Buns Music Sheet
