For many people, Easter is a perfect time to enjoy feasting as it follows a period of fasting during Lent. There are many traditional Easter foods the world shares - eggs, lamb and the much-loved spicy hot cross bun.
The hot cross bun has not always been associated with Easter.Its origin lies in pagan traditions of ancient cultures, with the cross representing the four quarters of the moon. Later, the Christian church adopted the bun and gave new meaning to the cross. In 1361, a monk - Father Thomas Rockcliffe - began a tradition of giving hot cross buns to the poor folk of St Albans on Good Friday. In 19th century London, street vendors hawked buns, crying: "Hot cross buns!"
From this the childhood nursery rhyme was composed: "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."
Eggs - another tradition - are given in the Northern Hemisphere to celebrate Easter and spring. Hens' eggs were painted or dyed, but these have now been replaced by chocolate eggs.
The eggs, supposedly brought by the Easter bunny, can be hidden for children to find on Easter Sunday. Hence we find numerous chocolate bunnies in shops as well.
Easter is a time for families to get together and this year, given the recent inclement weather, it might be the last time until spring to enjoy a barbecue.
I hope you relish the oregano and garlic lamb recipe featured below. It's yummy.
